On August 26–27, 1980, several men masquerading as photocopier deliverers planted an elaborately booby trapped bomb containing 1,200 pounds (540 kg) of dynamite at Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada, United States. During an attempt to disarm the bomb, it exploded, causing extensive damage to the hotel but no injuries or deaths. The total cost of the damage was estimated to be around $18 million. John Birges Sr. was convicted of having made the bomb with a goal of extorting money from the casino after having lost $750,000 there. He died in prison in 1996 at age 74.
A bomb was planted at Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada, which the FBI later described as the most complex improvised explosive device ever created.
On August 26, in the year 1980, A bomb was planted at Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada, which the FBI later described as the most complex improvised explosive device ever created. This event is recorded as a Selected Events event in the history of August 26, a notable event in this corner of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on August 26, 1980 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Selected Events event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 5 Wikipedia articles.
- The event is associated with a specific geographical location (see map below).
- Wikipedia source last updated on 11 June 2026.
On This Date in History
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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