Unmasking New York's 'Mad Bomber'

E1279 - Unmasking New York's 'Mad Bomber'

Published: January 22, 2026

Duration: 13:06

George Metesky’s campaign of terror as ‘the Mad Bomber of New York’ ended abruptly on 22nd January, 1957. Between 1940 and 1956, he had planted at least 32 bombs in public places, including theatres, railway stations, libraries, and landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal. 

Police arrived just before midnight at his modest home in Waterbury, Connecticut, which he shared with his two sisters, and asked him for a handwriting sample. A search of his garage revealed bomb components matching those used in attacks across the city, along with a partially-assembled device larger than any found before. His arrest brought relief to a ci...