From Hero to Scapegoat: The Richard Jewell Story

Early Life and Career Aspirations

Richard Allensworth Jewell was born on December 17, 1962, in Danville, Virginia. Raised in a modest household, Jewell harbored ambitions of a career in law enforcement from a young age. His early professional journey saw him undertake roles such as a jailer and later as a campus security officer, reflecting his commitment to public safety. Despite facing several professional setbacks, including terminations from previous positions, Jewell remained steadfast in his dedication to serve and protect.

The Fateful Night at Centennial Olympic Park

On the evening of July 27, 1996, during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Centennial Olympic Park was abuzz with festivities. Jewell, employed as a security guard for AT&T, was stationed at the park. At approximately 12:30 AM, he noticed an unattended green knapsack beneath a bench near the AT&T sound tower. Recognizing the potential threat, Jewell promptly alerted law enforcement and assisted in evacuating the vicinity. Despite these efforts, the bomb detonated at 1:20 AM, resulting in the death of Alice Hawthorne and injuring 111 others. A cameraman, Melih Uzunyol, also lost his life due to a heart attack while rushing to cover the incident....Read More

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