New Perspective on Oklahoma City Bombing

A recent book raises intriguing questions about the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, suggesting it might have been an undercover operation by the FBI. The author, Margaret Roberts, has spent over two decades analyzing major domestic terrorism events in the U.S.

Roberts, acclaimed for her work, previously directed notable TV shows like America’s Most Wanted. She is notably the only journalist to have spoken in person with Terry Nichols, one of the conspirators currently serving a life sentence. His co-conspirator, Timothy McVeigh, was executed in 2001. Yet, lingering questions persist about what McVeigh truly knew regarding the bombing plot.

This timely publication comes as the FBI faces scrutiny over its involvement in various controversies, including the Trump-Russia investigation and issues surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. Roberts recently appeared on a podcast hosted by Peter Schweizer and Eric Eggers to delve into her findings.

With Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel endeavoring to release previously classified documents related to several FBI operations, Roberts aims to unveil the government’s actual role in this tragic event. “The Oklahoma City attack was not just a singular tragedy,” she remarked. “It felt like a manufactured terrorist act that spiraled out of control.”

On April 19, 1995, a powerful bomb decimated the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, claiming the lives of 168 individuals, including 15 children from a day care center. The immediate federal response zeroed in on Timothy McVeigh as the chief suspect.

Roberts’ investigation uncovered evidence linking the FBI to a neo-Nazi group known as the Aryan Republican Army. She claims the FBI allowed certain suspects to evade capture, jeopardizing justice for victims while concealing unflattering truths about their counter-terrorism operations.

Recounting her experience, Roberts said, “As someone who once worked on America’s Most Wanted, I was invested in this story. It wasn’t just about the manhunt; there were multiple witnesses who saw much more than what was reported.” She emphasized that McVeigh operated with an accomplice during the bombing.

Eric Eggers expressed disbelief, calling it “a shocking claim.” Roberts later referenced a lawyer, Jesse Trentadue, who filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to access unpublished files related to the case. An FBI undercover agent named John Matthews was poised to testify but reportedly backed out under pressure.

Roberts explored the “Patriot Conspiracy” program, in which Matthews infiltrated numerous extremist groups. However, a dilemma arises in determining the line between surveillance and inciting violence, a concern raised repeatedly by intelligence agencies.

Matthews, disillusioned with his role, told Roberts, “It was intended to provoke violence, yet I joined to prevent it.” He later stated that the bombing could have been part of a broader effort to catch supposed terrorists.

Roberts noted that Matthews believed the FBI had created the Aryan Republican Army, which ultimately served as a front for inciting unrest. “So, were they actually fueling this violence?” asked Schweizer.

Roberts shared that Nichols spoke about revenge being a motive and mentioned a third co-conspirator named Roger Moore, perceived by Nichols as a government provocateur who supplied explosives. However, Moore has since denied any involvement.

This narrative extends beyond historical records; Roberts argues that similar tactics might have been applied in other thwarted incidents, like the Boston Marathon bombing and the attempted kidnapping of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “In those cases, it seems like there were many undercover agents involved,” she suggested.

Roberts conveyed that Nichols hinted at government connections during their conversations, and that other inmates had echoed similar thoughts regarding McVeigh’s connections to government agents after his arrest.

Schweizer pointed out that agencies might have financial incentives to exaggerate threats to secure larger budgets. He speculated that this could have influenced the Oklahoma City bombing and its aftermath. “These groups exist, but agencies tend to heighten the perceived threat to justify funding needs,” he commented.

“My book seeks to shed light on the origins of our current situation,” Roberts stated. “Transparency is a crucial demand that still remains unmet.” She touched on the significant implications of concealing the truth regarding surveillance footage of the suspects at the bombing site.

As for what she hopes for from the federal government, Roberts highlighted Matthews’ unsealed deposition, which has yet to be publicly disclosed. She expressed hope that Attorney General Bondi would heed Trentadue’s appeals for the release of pertinent documents. Additionally, she advocated for the Senate Judiciary Committee to reflect on past inquiries, similar to the 1975 Church Committee hearings, to thoroughly investigate the Patcon operation.

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