SOURCE: BlackVault — theblackvault.com (Tier 2)
CATEGORY: ARCHIVE
CREDIBILITY SCORE: 70/100 | EVIDENCE SCORE: 30/100
LIKELY EXPLANATION: reputable lead — review and contextualize
TAGS: archive
Source Excerpt
A newly released FBI file documents the Bureau’s investigation into the April 20, 1984, bombing of the Washington Navy Yard Officers’ Club in Washington, D.C. The records consist primarily of FD-302 interview reports, investigative summaries, and supporting materials compiled by the FBI’s Washington Field Office in coordination with multiple federal and local agencies. One FBI report dated June 11, 1984 states: “At approximately 1:55 a.m., April 20, 1984, an improvised explosive device detonated in the reception area of Building 101, the Officers’ Club, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.” The same report notes: “The building was unoccupied at the time, and there were no injuries.” The investigation was opened under federal jurisdiction due to the use of an explosive device and the possibility of involvement by “terrorist or revolutionary groups.” Claims of Responsibility The file documents multiple communications claiming responsibility for the bombing. According to FBI reporting: “Shortly after the blast, two calls were received; one each at the Washington Post newspaper and the United Press International which claimed responsibility for the bombing.” One call relayed a recorded message: “The caller stated that there had been a bombing at the Washington Navy Yard… in support of independence for Puerto Rico… [and]that the FALN was claiming responsibility.” A separate message referenced a different group: “The tape recorded message stated something to the effect that the
Documents
- https://documents2.theblackvault.com/documents/fbifiles/washingtonpipeyardexplosion-fbi1.pdf
- https://documents2.theblackvault.com/documents/fbifiles/washingtonpipeyardexplosion-fbi1.pdf
- https://documents2.theblackvault.com/documents/fbifiles/washingtonpipeyardexplosion-fbi1.pdf
- https://documents2.theblackvault.com/documents/fbifiles/washingtonpipeyardexplosion-fbi1.pdf
Images
- https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/navy-300×166.jpg
- https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-14_10-08-31.jpg
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