Watch CBS News

NAACP Still Believes Man Sentenced For Explosion Was Targeting Them

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to planting an explosive device and being a felon in possession of guns.

The device was planted by Thaddeus Murphy in January right outside a building housing the NAACP Colorado Springs headquarters and a hair salon. The blast went off causing a loud noise. Neighbors noticed a white truck leaving the area with a heavy set white man with short hair.

Thaddeus Murphy
Thaddeus Murphy (credit: DOC)

The damage was minor, but prosecutors argued it's the intent that matters.

A gas can, road flare and metal pipe were found at the scene. Video surveillance led to a truck later found at a home in Colorado Springs. Murphy confessed, but claimed the device was meant as a warning for his accountant who wouldn't return his calls.

Colorado Springs Bomb Investigation Outside NAACP Office
(credit: CBS)

But the NAACP believed then and now the device was intended for them, not a tax firm that was long gone at the time of the explosion.

Henry Allen Jr., president of the Colorado Springs chapter of the NAACP, in February said he didn't buy Murphy's story.

"Wow that's been so many years ago, but the tax sign is still there, so I'm not real sure know what the tax thing would have had to do with it," Allen said.

In court, Murphy's attorneys blamed the episode on his drug abuse. They acknowledged his story made little sense because the accountant was dead and never had an office in the building. But the civil rights organization still feels the same today that it was targeted, according to Allen.

"If this individual is in fact found guilty, I would expect the full course of law to take place," Allen said.

Colorado Springs Bomb Investigation Outside NAACP Office
(credit: CBS)

Murphy's family left court without comment using an umbrella to shield their faces with clear skies above.

Thomas Ravenelle, the Special Agent in Charge of the Denver office of the FBI, said in a statement, "Thaddeus Murphy detonated an explosive device to terrorize the community in Colorado Springs."

U.S. Attorney John Walsh stated, "Mr. Murphy developed and detonated a dangerous device that has landed him in federal prison."

Before the plea agreement Murphy was facing a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison and as much as $500,000 in fines.

CBS4's Rick Sallinger is a Peabody award winning reporter who has been with the station more than two decades doing hard news and investigative reporting. Follow him on Twitter @ricksallinger.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.