MOVE Bombing and Rowhouse Conflagration

On May 13, 1985, Philadelphia police dropped an explosive device on a fortified rowhouse occupied by members of the MOVE organization at 6221 Osage Avenue, triggering a fire that destroyed 61 houses and killed 11 people, including five children. The event and the city government's actions prompted local and national outcry, multiple investigations, and civil suits. The site and surrounding neighborhood remain part of Philadelphia's documented history of civil unrest and controversial law enforcement decisions.