The Mad Bomber of New York: How George Metesky’s Vendetta Changed Criminal Profiling Forever

George Metesky, better known as the “Mad Bomber of New York,” was responsible for one of the most unsettling and notorious crime sprees in the mid-20th century. Born on November 2, 1903, in Connecticut, Metesky would go on to become infamous for planting dozens of bombs around New York City, waging a relentless campaign of terror that spanned nearly two decades. His story is not just one of a disgruntled man seeking revenge but also a landmark case in criminal profiling—a field that would later become foundational in solving complex cases worldwide.

George Metesky’s Early Life and the Catalyst for Revenge

Metesky was born into a modest family, the son of Lithuanian immigrants, and grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1931, while working at United Industrial Light and Power Company, a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, he suffered a severe accident. A boiler backfired, releasing scalding fumes that left him with lasting health issues, including tuberculosis. After a 26-week recovery period, Metesky’s claim for workers’ compensation was denied on the grounds that he had filed too late. His appeals were rejected, leaving him with little financial recourse and a lasting resentment against Consolidated Edison.

Metesky developed a paranoid hatred toward the company, seeing them as the cause of his misfortune. This bitterness and resentment began to take a dark form. Nearly a decade after his accident, on November 16, 1940, the first sign of his plans for revenge emerged.

The First Bombs: Messages of Warning

Metesky planted his first bomb on a window ledge at Consolidated Edison’s main building in New York City. The bomb itself was a small, crudely constructed pipe device, with a message scrawled on it: “Con Edison crooks, this is for you!” It was clear the device was not meant to detonate but rather to serve as a symbolic warning of his grievances. Authorities investigated briefly, but with no immediate threats, the case was set aside.

Metesky continued, placing another bomb in September 1941 near the Consolidated Edison offices. This time, it was found inside an old sock, further suggesting he was more interested in capturing the company’s attention than causing real harm. Then, in December, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Metesky sent a letter to the police, vowing to suspend his activities during World War II out of “patriotic duty.” Signed “F.P.” (for “Fair Play”), he promised that he would resume his crusade once the war was over.

The Mad Bomber Returns: 1950-1956

True to his word, Metesky resumed his bombing campaign in 1950. This time, his attacks became more frequent, with explosive devices placed in high-traffic locations throughout New York City. In March 1950, a bomb was discovered in Grand Central Station. The next month, a bomb exploded in a phone booth at the New York Public Library, and a series of additional bombs followed at Grand Central, Penn Station, Radio City Music Hall, and Brooklyn’s Paramount Theatre.

From 1950 to 1956, Metesky terrorised the city, planting nearly 30 bombs, half of which detonated, injuring over a dozen people. The bombs were placed in public areas, creating a climate of fear across New York. Although no one was killed, the psychological impact was profound, as citizens worried that they could be the next target of the Mad Bomber.

Turning to Criminal Profiling: The Work of Dr. James Brussel

Frustrated by years of fruitless investigation, New York City police sought help from Dr. James A. Brussel, a prominent psychiatrist with a background in counterintelligence profiling. Brussel reviewed the case files in detail, developing a psychological profile of the bomber that would mark a significant development in the field of criminal profiling.

Brussel’s profile suggested that the Mad Bomber was an unmarried, middle-aged male of Eastern European descent who likely lived with female relatives. He believed the bomber would be an organised, clean-shaven man with a meticulous nature—a classic portrait of a paranoid individual. One of Brussel’s most striking predictions was that the bomber would wear a buttoned double-breasted suit. Brussel advised the police to publicise the profile, hoping that it might draw Metesky out of hiding.

The Capture of George Metesky: Profiling Leads to an Arrest

The publicity surrounding the Mad Bomber’s profile worked. Consolidated Edison took Brussel’s advice to search its employee records, eventually identifying Metesky as a potential suspect. On January 21, 1957, police arrived at his Connecticut home. To their amazement, Metesky not only fit Brussel’s profile but also acted as if he had been expecting them. He freely admitted his acts, explaining that “F.P.” was his shorthand for “Fair Play,” and stated that his goal was to make Consolidated Edison “pay” for their “injustice.”

When asked if he would change before his arrest, Metesky requested a moment to put on a buttoned double-breasted suit, eerily aligning with Brussel’s prediction. His confession was swift, and his anger at Consolidated Edison was palpable. The notorious Mad Bomber was finally in custody.

Aftermath: Legal and Psychiatric Analysis

Metesky was declared a paranoid schizophrenic and therefore legally insane. Rather than face trial, he was committed to the Matteawan Asylum for the Criminally Insane, where he would remain until his release in 1973. His case marked a watershed moment in criminal psychology, as Dr. Brussel’s profile provided a framework for understanding and apprehending individuals driven by psychological motives.

After his release, Metesky lived quietly in his hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut, until his death on May 23, 1994. The story of the Mad Bomber remains an enduring case in criminology, highlighting the importance of psychological profiling in apprehending elusive criminals.

Legacy of the Mad Bomber Case

The hunt for George Metesky spanned over a decade and demonstrated the power of profiling to anticipate and apprehend criminals. Dr. James Brussel’s work was groundbreaking, influencing countless future cases and making criminal profiling a staple in modern law enforcement. Metesky’s case illustrated how psychological insights could unlock mysteries that had baffled traditional police work, paving the way for an era where understanding a criminal’s mindset became as important as the physical evidence they left behind.