Podcast Summary: Morbid Episode 678 - The Mad Bomber of New York (Part 1)

Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts: Alayna and Ash | Morbid Network | Wondery

Introduction

In Episode 678 of Morbid, titled The Mad Bomber of New York (Part 1), hosts Alayna and Ash dive deep into the chilling tale of a serial bomber who terrorized New York City from the 1940s into the early 1950s. This two-part series unravels the intricate details of the bombings, the persistent fear they instilled in the city, and the elusive nature of the bomber known as FP.

The Beginning of Terror: 1940s Bombings

The story kicks off in the fall of 1940, when a Con Edison employee discovers a pipe bomb in the company’s main offices on West 64th Street. Alongside the bomb was a cryptic note:

Alayna (07:31): "Con Edison Crooks. This is for you."

Ash (07:32) reacts with shock, highlighting the severity of the threat. Fortunately, the bomb did not detonate, sparing lives but sowing seeds of fear.

A year later, in 1941, a second bomb is received with a peculiar message:

Alayna (07:50): "There is no shortage of powder boys."

This note, written in what was later identified as gunpowder, indicated a menacing intent to continue bombings post-World War II.

Investigations and Challenges

Upon each bombing, the NYPD's Bomb and Forgery Squad was alerted. However, the response times were frustratingly slow, with Ash expressing:

Ash (11:18): "I'd be pissed if it took them, like, 25 minutes. I'd be hours."

The bombs were crude, resembling homemade devices without sophisticated triggering mechanisms. Despite the evident threat, the vast number of potential suspects—ranging from Con Edison employees to disgruntled customers—made the investigation arduous.

Escalation and Persistence

In March 1951, during rush hour at Grand Central Station, another bomb detonated in a cigarette urn. Miraculously, no one was injured due to the timing and placement:

Alayna (24:05): "Despite being placed on one of the lower levels by track 27, there were no passersbys when the bomb went off."

This incident marked an escalation in the bomber's tactics, incorporating lethal shrapnel to maximize potential casualties. Yet, the bombs continued to fail in causing harm, leaving the city baffled.

The Elusive FP and False Leads

As the bombings persisted, letters from FP became more frequent and threatening. One notable letter included:

Alayna (47:40): "Unless sloppy or no reporting is corrected about bombings, public will get information by way of Moscow."

In an attempt to quell the threats, the NYPD arrested Frederick Eberhardt, a former Con Edison employee. However, his subsequent acquittal and denial only deepened the mystery:

Ash (41:08): "Yeah."

Alayna (42:02): "If the NYPD hoped Frederick's arrest would put an end to the bomb threats of the recent months, they were very disappointed very quickly."

FP continued his reign of terror, sending more bombs and escalating threats that kept the city on edge.

Public Fear and Limited Media Coverage

Throughout the bombings, media coverage was minimal, often downplaying the incidents to avoid giving FP the attention he craved:

Ash (45:37): "It's like, my friends, I'm not here debating what's happening in his noggin."

This lack of coverage only fueled public anxiety, as the true extent of the terror was veiled from the masses.

Conclusion and Tease for Part 2

As the episode concludes, Alayna and Ash highlight the unresolved nature of the case, setting the stage for Part 2 where they will delve deeper into FP's motives, eventual capture, and the aftermath of his actions.

Alayna (48:34): "We're going to talk about that in part two."

Listeners are left with a sense of anticipation, eager to uncover the remaining layers of this haunting true crime story.

Notable Quotes

• Alayna (07:31): "Con Edison Crooks. This is for you."
• Ash (11:18): "I'd be pissed if it took them, like, 25 minutes. I'd be hours."
• Alayna (24:05): "Despite being placed on one of the lower levels by track 27, there were no passersbys when the bomb went off."
• Alayna (47:40): "Unless sloppy or no reporting is corrected about bombings, public will get information by way of Moscow."

Stay tuned for Part 2 of The Mad Bomber of New York as Alayna and Ash continue to dissect this perplexing case, exploring the depths of FP’s psyche and the relentless pursuit to bring him to justice.