DC Debrief: Oklahoma delegation reflects on 30 years since OKC bombing

On the 30th anniversary of the Murrah Building bombing, Alex Cameron and Scott Mitchell reflected on its lasting impact on Oklahoma and the nation.

Sunday, April 20th 2025, 7:45 am

By: Alex Cameron, Scott Mitchell, Graham Dowers

OKLAHOMA CITY -

As Oklahomans observed the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Alex Cameron and Scott Mitchell looked back on the tragedy's impact and how it shaped the nation and the state’s leaders.

A Moment Frozen in Time

Former U.S. Senator Don Nickles, who was en route to a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) hearing in Dallas at the time, recalled being pulled to the cockpit mid-flight to receive a call notifying him of the bombing. The Oklahoma delegation made a brief appearance at the hearing before returning to the state, arriving at the scene just hours after the blast.

Both Nickles and Rep. Frank Lucas remembered seeing a critical piece of evidence at the scene: the rear axle of the Ryder truck used in the bombing. That axle, still visible in the street during their tour, would become a pivotal clue in tracing the attack back to Timothy McVeigh.

News 9's Personal Connection

Alex Cameron, who joined News 9 in July 1995, recalled flying over the bomb site on the day of his job interview, just one day after the building was imploded. The bombing and its aftermath have remained a personal and professional cornerstone throughout his career.

A Message That Still Matters

Both Cameron and Mitchell reflected on how the Oklahoma City bombing served as a reminder of the consequences of extremism and the importance of unity and resilience.

“Violence gets us nowhere,” Mitchell said, urging reflection on how the Oklahoma Standard — defined by service, honor, and kindness — continues to serve as a model for healing and response in times of tragedy.

Alex Cameron

Alex Cameron is the current Washington Bureau Chief for News 9 in Oklahoma City and for News On 6 in Tulsa and brings reports directly from Washington, D.C. on the weekdays.