Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Oklahoma City Bombing: American Terror’ explores the devastating 1995 attack and Timothy McVeigh’s central role in it. One of the more emotional angles comes from McVeigh’s father, Bill McVeigh, who struggled to reconcile the image of his quiet, loving son with that of a domestic terrorist. He fully cooperated with the investigation, and there was no evidence that proved he had an inkling of what his son had been orchestrating. It was not easy for Bill to accept what had transpired, but he was always someone who put on a brave face and faced the questions posed before him.
Bill McVeigh Had No Idea About His Son’s Plans
William “Bill” McVeigh and his wife, Noreen Mildred “Mickey” Hill, built their life together in Lockport, New York, where they raised three children—Jennifer, Timothy, and Patricia. As Irish Americans, they worked hard to provide a safe and stable home. Bill held a steady job as a production worker at a General Motors radiator plant and found satisfaction in his work. However, by 1978, their marriage had begun to fall apart, leading to a divorce. After the split, the two daughters moved in with their mother, while Timothy, also known as Tim or Timmy to his father, chose to live with Bill in a modest home in Pendleton, New York.
Bill wasn’t an overly expressive father, but he always tried to give Timothy what he needed and rarely interfered in his life. After retiring in 1999, the former kept himself busy with community work and local events. Reflecting on the past, he recalled that his son often voiced frustration with the government, particularly with then-President Bill Clinton, but Bill assumed it was just talk, like what he’d heard from others. He said he never imagined his son was capable of something so violent, and if he’d had any idea of what was coming, he would’ve done everything in his power to stop it.
When the investigation led to Timothy, authorities knocked on Bill’s door late at night on April 21, 1995, and informed him that his son was suspected of terrorism. Shocked but cooperative, he allowed police to search his home and answered all their questions. Once the news broke, concerns for Bill’s safety arose, and troopers were stationed at his house for weeks to protect him from potential threats. Hoping for answers, he agreed to speak with his son, but Timothy refused to confess directly. Instead, he told his father to wait until the book, ‘American Terrorist: Timothy McVeigh & The Oklahoma City Bombing’, had been published; this is how Bill first read his son’s confession to the bombing.
Bill McVeigh Didn’t Go to Timothy McVeigh’s Execution in 2001
Bill McVeigh respected Timothy McVeigh’s request not to visit him until after reading the book he had written, which detailed his motives and perspective. Once he finished the book, Bill went to the prison with a list of questions, and the two spent over three hours in conversation. The father later shared that although he didn’t agree with many of beliefs his son held, he appreciated his honesty and the clarity he offered. Bill continued to stay in touch through phone calls, prison visits with his daughters, and managing his son’s personal mail. He once said how he had asked the accused to apologize, but the latter had declined because he believed what he had done was right.
Despite everything, Timothy was still his son. They met for the final time on April 10, 2001. They didn’t hug goodbye as Tim had declined and also asked his father not to attend his execution. Bill honored that request but later held a private memorial with close friends and family. He respected his son’s wish for his remains to be handled privately by his attorney. Though Bill was a religious man raised with strong values, he never forced his beliefs on his son and did as the latter had asked.
Bill McVeigh Remains a Beloved and Respected Member of His Community
Bill McVeigh has continued to live in the same home he moved into decades ago, never straying beyond a 5-mile radius around Lockport and Pendleton, New York. The property is situated on an acre and a half of land and reflects his quiet lifestyle. He is known to enjoy growing fruits and vegetables in his backyard and makes use of the open space. In a 2020 interview, Bill said he doesn’t try to hide from his past or pretend to be someone he’s not. He shared that he often speaks with strangers who recognize him and choose to approach him. Over the years, Bill has been candid about the tragedy tied to his son and admitted that not a single day passes without thinking of the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing. It’s a weight he quietly carries, one that has never left him.
Bill’s quiet strength and grace in the wake of his son’s arrest and execution earned the respect of many, including law enforcement officials. One of the most unexpected friendships he formed was with Bud Welch, who lost his daughter, Julie Marie Welch, in the bombing. The two bonded over shared grief and a mutual stance against the death penalty. Bill has long been active in his community and remains a committed member of the Good Shepherd Church. He is also known to participate in golf and bowling leagues and often runs bingo games. Now around 85 years old, he hasn’t spoken publicly in the past five years. While he was once open to answering questions from the media, Bill McVeigh appears to be living a quieter, more private life today.
Read More: Michael Fortier: Where is the Oklahoma Bombing Accomplice Now?
