Report: Bomb near NAACP building in Colorado targeted accountant, not civil rights group

1. Investigators arrested Thaddeus Murphy, a 44-year-old carpenter, for allegedly setting off a bomb near an NAACP office building in January, the Associated Press reported.
   
2. Investigators told the AP that Murphy was enraged over financial problems and was targeting his accountant's office.
3. The bomb originally rattled civil rights groups and advocates, who feared the NAACP was the original target.
   
4. No one was injured or killed by the bombing.

The FBI deemed the attack deliberate

An early composite sketch of the suspect of the bombing. (FBI)

Murphy allegedly exploded a device outside the building housing the Colorado Springs chapter of the NAACP shortly before 11 a.m. on January 6. Authorities quickly determined that the bombing was deliberate, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The device, which FBI investigators described as "not sophisticated," was detonated at the side of the building. The explosion charred the wall, but no other damage was reported, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. A gas can was placed next to the bomb, but it didn't ignite.

Further reading: The long history of attacks against civil rights organizations.

Contributions are a key part of the future of Vox

Readers rely on Vox for clear, nuanced coverage that not only illuminates the issues, but poses solutions, too. And we rely on help from our readers: Advertising and grants cover the majority of our costs, but we count on contributions to help us close the gaps in our budget. In fact, we’re looking to reach 95,000 individual contributions before the end of the year. Will you make the next contribution right now? Our average gift is just $20 — and it goes a long way in helping us keep our work free. Vox is here to help everyone understand what’s shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. Join that mission by making a contribution today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via