Context, April-May 1968

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The bombing of the Agriculture Building was foreshadowed by events in the days and weeks immediately prior.

During the overnight hours of April 15, 1968, there were three arson/attempted arson attacks. One University-owned building off campus was destroyed by fire. Forty nine gas jets in a lab were opened wide in an attempt to burn down or blow up the Chemistry Department, and an effort was made to ignite the gas tanks of three University vehicles at the Physical Plant.[2]

Between April 25 and April 27, 1968, a series of demonstrations, marches, happenings, and a student strike occurred, mostly focused on opposition to the Vietnam War. Contemporary reports from the Daily Egyptian and Southern Illinoisan note the participation of between 300 and 700 people at the different events - not all of whom were students (enrollment at the time was around 18,000).[3]

From these same reports we know of the presence of Chicago-based activists from the Students for a Democratic Society. Over the course of the next year and a half, and under the leadership of their National Office in Chicago, a faction of SDS would morph into the Weather Underground Organization and proceed to carry out a campaign of arson and bombings that would continue on and off through the 1970's.

Look through any window, yeah

Students arrive to find classrooms filled
with shattered glass, fallen ceiling tiles,
doors blown off their hinges, steel beams
bent by the force of the explosion.
Photo: Southern Illinois, May 7, 1968

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 This is an open case which we continue to investigate as new leads are developed. If you have information about the bombing, please contact us.

[2] Details of the arson attacks against SIU buildings and property on April 15/16:
Arsonists set fires, Southern Illinoisan, April 16, 1968
Series of Fires Laid to Arsonists; Patrols Increased, John Epperheimer & Don Mueller, Daily Egyptian, April 17, 1968

[3] Information regarding the protests in late April 1968 and the participants:
Peace Group to Hold Rally, Daily Egyptian, April 17, 1968
Protest Strike Set Today, Inez Rencher, April 26, 1968
300 Join Vietnam War Protest at SIU, Southern Illinoisan, April 26, 1968
Protestors Say Society Responsible for War, John Epperheimer, Daily Egyptian, April 27, 1968