American Shrapnel: Episode Ch. 1 - The Blob Man

Overview

In the gripping first chapter of American Shrapnel, hosted by Alabama Media Group's esteemed journalists John Archibald and Becca Andrews, listeners are taken on a harrowing journey through one of the most intense manhunts in American history. The episode delves into the series of bombings that shook Atlanta during the 1996 Olympics, the subsequent misidentification of the suspect, and the relentless pursuit that eventually led to uncovering the true bomber, Eric Robert Rudolph. Through firsthand accounts, investigative insights, and poignant reflections, American Shrapnel paints a vivid picture of the chaos, tragedy, and resilience that defined this dark chapter in U.S. history.

1. The Centennial Olympic Park Bombing

The episode opens with a nostalgic reflection on the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, capturing the grandeur and global significance of the event.

• David Namias reminisces: "It's hard to describe the magic of that southern summer night in 1996 when Muhammad Ali hobbled on stage to captivate the world. He struggled but lit the cauldron to open Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Games." [01:19]

However, this moment of unity and celebration is abruptly shattered by a devastating act of terrorism.

• Becca Andrews recounts: "A little after 1am On July 27, 1996, Atlanta police got a phone call, a warning. There is a bomb in Centennial park. You have 30 minutes." [02:07]

The bombing was unprecedented in scale, with a 40-pound pipe bomb detonated in a crowded park, resulting in horrific casualties.

• Becca Andrews describes the immediate aftermath: "Alice Hawthorne died instantly when a nail an inch and a half long hit her like a bullet in the head. Her 14-year-old daughter stood beside her as shrapnel ripped through Alice's body in six places." [03:09]

2. Richard Jewell: The Misidentified Hero

In the chaos that followed the bombing, security guard Richard Jewell emerged as an unexpected figure, initially hailed as a hero for spotting the suspicious package.

• Becca Andrews explains: "Police Detective John Ennis interviewed him. We're all sorry it happened to him, but that's what we're asking you so many questions." [24:10]

However, Jewell's past and certain peculiarities led investigators and the media to suspect him falsely.

• John Archibald notes: "Jewell had some squirrely things about his past... he had been fired, I think, from a job at Piedmont College and had ended up and then kind of posed or presented himself as a cop." [08:20]

Despite being innocent, Jewell's reputation was tarnished, leading to personal and professional losses. He was later exonerated and received settlements from media outlets that wrongfully branded him as the bomber.

• Becca Andrews poignantly states: "It's a sad story. He died really young. They put a memorial to him in Centennial park near the one for Alice Hawthorne. But as investigators focused on Jewell, the real bomber slipped away." [09:38]

3. The Elusive "Blob Man" and the Escalation of Terror

With the wrongful focus on Jewell, the actual bomber, dubbed "Blob Man" due to the indistinct image captured by surveillance, continued his spree of terror.

• John Archibald reflects on the investigation challenges: "We had like 12 or 13,000 sets of photos and videos that you had to try to piece together to figure out who was where. It was great work. Didn't actually produce too much." [10:46]

The bomber's attacks evolved, adding complexity to the manhunt.

• Becca Andrews highlights: "These bombs were evolving. Investigators were no closer to solving any of them than they were that morning in Centennial park." [11:25]

4. Jermaine Hughes: The Unlikely Witness

A turning point in the investigation came with the testimony of Jermaine Hughes, a graduate student who became a pivotal witness in identifying the true bomber.

• Jermaine Hughes recounts the Birmingham bombing: "I saw Emily Lyons at that point. She's curled up with her, she's facing the door. She's fetal position. I mean, I could see that her legs were burnt and that her clothes had been blown off at her, at her legs." [19:42]

After the bombing, Hughes's keen observation skills led him to notice suspicious behavior that others overlooked.

• Becca Andrews narrates: "Hughes kept his distance, hoping he wouldn't be seen." [29:00]

5. The Pursuit of Eric Robert Rudolph

Hughes's persistence paid off when he followed the bomber's trail, leading to critical discoveries that would eventually identify Eric Robert Rudolph.

• David Namias shares: "He set his bomb, which was the biggest pipe bomb the FBI had ever seen. And it had a steel plate like all his bombs did to direct the blast, and it was packed with shrapnel." [06:38]

• Mike Wisnant, the lead prosecutor, explains the significance of the evidence: "Tickle is now a Republican circuit judge... he hears Hughes, still talking on the phone, yell, that's the guy right there." [36:36]

Through meticulous investigation and Hughes's unwavering determination, the true identity of the "Blob Man" began to surface, bringing hope amidst a prolonged period of fear and uncertainty.

6. The Lingering Impact and Reflections

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of the bombings and the enduring anger that fuels such acts of terror.

• Becca Andrews remarks: "This isn’t a story of the past. The anger that fueled it has only grown stronger today." [Podcast Description]

• John Archibald ponders the bomber's motivations: "Do I personally believe that he acted alone? No, I do not." [39:40]

These reflections serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic terrorism and the societal factors that contribute to its rise.

Conclusion

American Shrapnel's first episode masterfully intertwines investigative journalism with personal narratives, offering a comprehensive exploration of the Atlanta Olympic bombing and the subsequent manhunt for Eric Robert Rudolph. Through detailed storytelling and poignant interviews, John Archibald and Becca Andrews shed light on the human stories behind the headlines, emphasizing the profound impact such events have on individuals and communities alike. This episode sets the stage for an in-depth examination of domestic terrorism, its roots, and its enduring consequences in American society.

Notable Quotes:

• David Namias: "It was a huge pipe bomb, unprecedented 40 pounds. Detonated by a wind-up clock and built to kill hundreds." [02:56]

• Becca Andrews: "Richard Jewell was not the bomber. He really was a hero. And his reward was that he lost his job and reputation." [09:09]

• Jermaine Hughes: "I was just like, could you call the cops and tell him, like, just tell him to start, like, you know, like, just look at this area." [31:07]

• Jeff Tickle: "His appearance was very neat. His shirt was tucked in. Everything about him was very neat." [35:02]

Production Credits:

American Shrapnel is produced by Alabama Media Group, featuring the collaborative efforts of John Archibald and Becca Andrews, with contributions from executive producer John Hammetry, engineer Chris Hoff, field producer Sarah Weitz Kodachek, and others. Special thanks are extended to individuals who provided invaluable insights and support throughout the creation of this episode.