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Today in History: Philadelphia police raid leads to MOVE tragedy

5/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On May 13, 1985, Philadelphia police dropped a bomb on the home of the MOVE organization, a Black liberation group, during a raid. The attack resulted in the deaths of eleven members, including five children, and caused a significant fire that destroyed over 60 nearby homes, highlighting severe tensions between law enforcement and the Black community.

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Story summary

On May 13, 1985, Philadelphia police dropped a bomb on the home of the MOVE organization, a Black liberation group, during a raid. The attack resulted in the deaths of eleven members, including five children, and caused a significant fire that destroyed over 60 nearby homes, highlighting severe tensions between law enforcement and the Black community.