Bombing of Johnson Space Center

Bombing ofJohnson Space Center
General Information
Location	Johnson Space Center
Date	4 September 1995
Participants	Charles Bernitz Sunny Hall Harold "Hal" Goodman Jimmy Stevens
Result	JSC main office building destroyed Hundreds of casualties 195 dead, including Karen Baldwin & Molly Cobb JSC renamed in memory of Molly Cobb

The bombing of Johnson Space Center was a domestic terrorist attack that occured on September 4th, 1995. The event was perpetrated by Charles Bernitz and his group of conspirators against NASA.

History

Prelude

On September 19, 1983, Moon Marine Charles Bernitz was out on patrol to defend a mining site on the Moon. When he returned, he found Vance Paulson, Tracy, and Gordo Stevens dead. As Paulson was one of the best marines he knew, Bernitz believed the Soviets couldn't have killed him and began to conspire against NASA, believing they were covering something up, and eventually recruiting others for his cause.

Jimmy with Bernitz & Hal

During a rally against NASA, Sunny Hall convinced Jimmy Stevens to join her and a few friends, where Bernitz planted the beliefs of the conspiracy in Jimmy's head. After building trust with Jimmy, the group assigned him to infiltrate JSC to steal an ID badge with Sunny. There, Jimmy shows Sunny around while he reluctantly swipes Alex Rossi's badge.

The bombing

Hal and Sunny set up

During news coverage of Kelly Baldwin's return to Phoenix on September 4th, 1995, the crew seized the opportunity to take action. Posing as the media, Jimmy was assigned to place a transceiver at JSC so the group could broadcast NASA's corruption to the world. When Jimmy returned, he noticed Bernitz packing away a bag of guns. Jimmy realizing something was going on, quickly runs off to call Amber Stevens, but is distracted by Sunny. Bernitz seized the opportunity to knock Jimmy out and tie him up at the back of the van.

Bernitz detonates

After Amber heard Jimmy's voice message, she tried to contact him back, but got no response. She then called Karen Baldwin, who then checked on Jimmy. Karen eventually found Jimmy tied at the back of the van. Upon freeing him, she realized the van was filled with explosives. After Jimmy ran off, Karen quickly alerts a security guard to inform him of the bomb. Bernitz and his crew realized their plan was in jeopardy and quickly sets off the bomb as Karen frantically told everyone to run.

Aftermath

Jimmy laments over Karen

The bombing saw a majority of the main office building at JSC destroyed. 195 people were killed in the attack, with more injured. Karen was among the casualties, who was in direct contact with the explosion and burried beneath rubble. Molly Cobb used her blindness to her advantage to guide those wounded through the darkness. After several trips, Molly perished beneath rubble and her body was found seven days later. Due to her heroic actions, the Johnson Space Center was renamed in her memory.

Hal Goodman, Sunny and Jimmy were convicted of the attack in 1998. Hal and Sunny were both facing the death penalty, although Sunny's lawyers fought for life imprisonment due to her age and lack of criminal history, while Jimmy testified against the group and received 12 years imprisonment and a $200,000 fine.

Gallery

The van carrying the bomb

Hal as cameraman at JSC

Karen finds Jimmy in the van

Karen finds a bomb in the van

Jimmy in shock after the explosion

Karen buried in debris

Jimmy finds Karen

Mission Control after the bombing

Molly returns to help more people

Aleida in Margo's office

Aleida in Margo's office

JSC bombing in the news

A vigil held for those who perished

JSC renamed in honor of Molly Cobb

JSC memorial:
Non Est Ad Astra Mollise Terris Via

JSC Memorial:
Close-up with Margo's name vandalized

Behind the scenes

The bombing of Johnson Space Center parallels the Oklahoma City bombing, with some footage being used in the aftermath.

See also

• Johnson Space Center
• Attack on Jamestown