Former President Clinton returns to Oklahoma City 30 years after bombing of federal building

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Thirty years after the deadliest homegrown attack in U.S. history, former President Bill Clinton returned to Oklahoma City on Saturday to remember the people who were killed and comfort those affected by the bombing.

Clinton was president on April 19, 1995, when a truck bomb exploded, destroying a nine-story federal building in downtown Oklahoma City. He delivered the keynote address at a remembrance ceremony near the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

Clinton, now 78, was widely praised for how he helped the city grapple with its grief in the wake of the bombing, which killed 168 people, including 19 children. He says it was a day in his presidency that he will never forget.

“I still remember as if it were 30 minutes ago, coming here with Hillary to that memorial service and saying: ‘You have lost too much, but you have not lost everything. You have certainly not lost America, and we will be with you for as many tomorrows as it takes,’” Clinton said, recalling his first visit to Oklahoma City just days after the bombing, when he spoke at a memorial service for the for the victims. “I do think we've kept that commitment.”

Clinton has visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum numerous times in the years since the bombing and delivered speeches on major anniversaries.

On Saturday, Clinton also cautioned about the polarizing nature of modern-day politics and how such divisiveness can lead to violence, as it did 30 years ago. He said there is much the nation can learn from the “Oklahoma Standard,” a term coined to reference the city's response to the bombing by uniting in service, honor and kindness.

“Today, Oklahoma City, America needs you,” he said. “I wish to goodness every American could just see life unfold here, hearing these stories.”

Other speakers included former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, who were in office when the bombing occurred. Family members of some of those killed in the bombing read the 168 names of those killed in the attack.

Saturday's ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on the grounds of the memorial but was moved inside an adjacent church because of heavy rains.

After the ceremony, a procession of bagpipe players from the Oklahoma City Fire Department led many of those in attendance across the street to the outdoor memorial built on the grounds where the federal building once stood. The memorial includes a museum, a reflecting pool and 168 empty chairs of glass, bronze and stone etched with the names of those killed. Nineteen of the chairs are smaller than the others to represent the children killed.

Among the memorial's top missions is to help people understand the senselessness of political violence and teach a new generation about the impact of the bombing, said Kari Watkins, the memorial's president and CEO.

“We knew when we built this place we would some day reach a generation of people who weren't born or who didn't remember the story,” Watkins said. “I think now, not just kids are coming through more and more, but teachers who are teaching those kids.”

Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums start the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

A woman is escorted away after getting onto the stage to speak to U.S. Senator James Lankford during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, reads the Oklahoma City Memorial Mission Statement and leads guest in 168 Seconds of Silence during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating speaks to guest during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

A woman gets onto the stage to speak to U.S. Senator James Lankford before being escorted away during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Senior Pastor of First Church Downtown OKC Josue Araujo welcomes guest to his church for the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Champlain (Ret) Teddy Wilson reads the Invocation during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Guest observe 168 Seconds of Silence for victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating speaks to guest during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Dr. Susan Chambers welcomes guest, family and friends during the 30th anniversary memorial service for the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

The inscription above the entrance to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum reads, "We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity," in Oklahoma City on March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

FILE - Aren Almon greets President Bill Clinton after a prayer service for the victims of the deadly truck bomb attack in Oklahoma City on April 23, 1995. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File)

DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Brunson's crossover dribble between his legs created space for a game-winning 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left and he blew a kiss to a quiet crowd that relentlessly taunted him for three games.

Brunson finished with 40 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 116-113 win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night and into the second round of the NBA playoffs.

A week after the point guard won the NBA’s clutch player of the year award, he lived up to the billing.

“He’s at his best when his best is needed and he’s done it all year," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. "That’s what makes him special.”

Detroit didn't get a shot off to potentially tie the game and send it to overtime because Malik Beasley fumbled a pass with four-tenths of a second left.

“This is tough,” said Beasley, who had 16 points in the second quarter and finished with 20. “I had a chance to make a three and tie the game. I’m mad about that.”

The third-seeded Knicks will face second-seeded Boston, shooting to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.

“They’re the defending champion so we’re going to have to be at our best,” Thibodeau said.

Mikal Bridges had 25 points and OG Anunoby added 22 for the Knicks, who closed the game out with clutch shots and stops after losing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and a 15-point advantage in the second quarter.

The sixth-seeded Pistons had an unprecedented turnaround during the regular season and ended the NBA’s longest playoff losing streak in their first postseason appearance since 2019, but broke another league mark with a 10th straight setback at home dating to 2008.

“We did so many things well and gave ourselves a chance,” Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “They just made one more play than we did.”

Detroit’s Cade Cunningham had 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Cunningham was 0 for 8 on 3-pointers and his backcourt mate Tim Hardaway Jr. was 1 of 6 beyond the arc and scored seven points.

Hardaway made a jumper to put Detroit ahead 112-105 with 2:35 left and Brunson responded by scoring the next five points.

Cunningham missed a contested layup with 22 seconds left that when the score was 113-all and Brunson took advantage of the opportunity to win it on the next possession.

Brunson was booed almost every time he touched the ball in the series and heard much worse than that in Game 3.

It was so vulgar that Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr came to Brunson's defense.

Thibodeau, though, said no one can rattle Brunson.

“His focus is terrific," Thibodeau said. "He doesn’t get sidetracked with anything but the game. He’s not thinking about what people say, or fans.”

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President of the New York Knicks Leon Rose, left, hugs guard Jalen Brunson (11) as they leave the court following a Game 6 win in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, top, has the ball knocked away by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) reacts after being whistled for a foul against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) passes the ball against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, left, during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives against New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) loses the ball while defended by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, left, looks to shoot against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates after scoring against the New York Knicks during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) takes a jump shot against New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with forward OG Anunoby, center, and guard Josh Hart (3) after scoring the winning basket in a win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)