George Metesky

George Metesky Behind Bars (cropped)

George Metesky (November 2, 1903 – May 23, 1994), better known as the "Mad Bomber," was an American electrician and mechanic who terrorized New York City for 16 years from 1940 to 1956 with a series of bombings. Metesky planted at least 33 bombs, of which 22 exploded, injuring 15 people. He targeted public places such as theaters, subway stations, and the New York Public Library. His bombings were motivated by a personal vendetta against the Consolidated Edison utility company, following a denied workers' compensation claim for injuries he sustained while working.

Early Life

George Metesky was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to Lithuanian immigrant parents. He served in the United States Marine Corps and later worked as an electrician and mechanic. In 1931, while working for Consolidated Edison, Metesky sustained injuries that led to pneumonia and eventually tuberculosis. His claim for workers' compensation was denied, sparking a grudge against the company.

Bombing Campaign

Metesky's bombing campaign began in 1940, with his first bomb being discovered on a windowsill at the Consolidated Edison building, accompanied by a note signed "F.P." (Fair Play). Over the next 16 years, Metesky meticulously crafted and planted bombs, often enclosing them in wooden boxes and leaving threatening letters that criticized Consolidated Edison and the justice system. His devices became increasingly sophisticated over time.

Despite extensive investigations, Metesky eluded capture for years. The breakthrough came in 1956 when a Con Edison employee remembered Metesky's 1931 accident and workers' compensation claim. This information, combined with handwriting analysis of the bomber's letters, led to Metesky's arrest at his home in Waterbury, Connecticut, in January 1957.

Trial and Commitment

Metesky was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial and was committed to the Matteawan Hospital for the Criminally Insane. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. In 1973, after 16 years of confinement, Metesky was released to the care of his sister. He lived quietly in Waterbury until his death in 1994.

Legacy

The case of George Metesky remains one of the most notorious in New York City's history. It highlighted the challenges of dealing with crimes involving mental illness and led to changes in how threats to public safety were managed and investigated. Metesky's case also contributed to the development of criminal profiling techniques.

See Also

• Terrorism in the United States
• Criminal profiling
• History of New York City (1946–1977)

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