Skip to content Skip to footer

The MOVE Bombing – When Police Plotted to Exterminate a Family

On May 13, 1985, one of the most shameful, horrific attacks by U.S. police ever took place in West Philadelphia.

Truthout is a vital news source and a living history of political struggle. If you think our work is valuable, support us with a donation of any size.

On May 13, 1985, one of the most shameful, horrific attacks by US police ever took place in West Philadelphia. Eleven people – including five children – were killed in a deliberate massacre. A racist and political attack on a radical community group known as the MOVE Organization, city and police officials were revealed to have intentionally set their home ablaze, let the fire rage, and violently kept escaping men, women and children trapped inside.

Featuring a harrowing first-hand account with the only adult survivor of the atrocity, Ramona Africa, Abby Martin documents an indispensable – but largely unheard of – moment in US history. From MOVE’s formation, to the arrest of the MOVE 9 political prisoners, to the build-up to the infamous bombing, The Empire Files chronicles an act that cannot be forgotten.

Urgent Appeal for Your Support

Truthout relies on individual donations to publish independent journalism, free from political and corporate influence. In fact, we’re almost entirely funded by readers like you.

Unfortunately, donations are down. At a moment when independent journalism is urgently needed, we are struggling to meet our operational costs due to increasing political censorship.

Truthout may end this month in the red without additional help. We still need to raise $7,000. Please make a tax-deductible one-time or monthly donation if you can.