A significant chapter in the history of CU Boulder, the fatal bombings that occurred in Boulder in May 1974 continue to be discussed and researched to create more awareness and understanding of these tragic events. A recently added document to the CU Boulder Archives will provide researchers a resource for studying the law enforcement investigations that occurred following the bombings.
Through an anonymous donation, 243 pages of documents produced by federal and local law enforcement agencies in 1974 are now part of the CU Boulder Archives. The documents detail the agencies鈥� investigation of the car bombings in Boulder on May 27 and May 29, 1974. These bombings killed six men and women, five of whom were affiliated with CU Boulder as students, alumni or former employees. The six victims were Chicano social justice activists and became known as Los Seis de Boulder or 鈥渢he Boulder six鈥� after their deaths.
CU Boulder Archives personnel have confirmed from documents received that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) was the lead investigating agency for this event, in cooperation with the FBI, Boulder County Sheriff鈥檚 Office, Boulder Police Department and Boulder County Coroner鈥檚 Office. In 1974, a federal grand jury was convened against alleged participants in the bombings, but the grand jury did not issue any indictments. Ultimately, the investigation did not result in any criminal charges.
The documents include 183 pages of records originated by the ATF. It also includes 22 pages originated by the FBI. The remaining pages were originated by local agencies.
The archives, part of the University Libraries鈥� Rare and Distinctive Collections, has a mission to collect, arrange, preserve and make accessible the collections of the university's history, as well as rare and unique collections that support the university's teaching, research, service and administration. The department connects students, faculty and the community with significant primary sources and rare materials that document the life and cultural outcomes of the university community.
Those wishing to see the documents may review an access copy by making an appointment to visit the Rare and Distinctive Collections Reading Room in Norlin Library at CU Boulder or contacting the Rare and Distinctive Collections鈥� research services.
An upcoming university symposium, 鈥淟os Seis de Boulder, Race, and Memory,鈥� is scheduled for Nov. 5鈥�6 and aims to center the history of the bombings in interdisciplinary academic discourse and continue to foster engaged dialogue on campus about the legacy of this event.
