Thomas Blanton, Last KKK Member Involved In Birmingham Church Bombing That Killed 4 Girls, Dies In Prison
According to the Associated Press, the last of three one-time Ku Klux Klansmen convicted of a 1963 Alabama church bombing that killed four black girls, has died. The governor’s office said Friday that Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr. died in prison. He was 81.
Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement:
“While serving a life sentence, Thomas Edwin Blanton, Jr., the last surviving 16th Street Baptist Church bomber, has passed away from natural causes. His role in the hateful act on September 15, 1963, stole the lives of four innocent girls and injured many others. That was a dark day that will never be forgotten in both Alabama’s history and that of our nation. Although his passing will never fully take away the pain or restore the loss of life, I pray on behalf of the loved ones of all involved that our entire state can continue taking steps forward to create a better Alabama for future generations.“
As The Washington Post notes, back in May 2001, Blanton was finally convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for the Birmingham church bombing. When asked by the judge if he had any comment following his sentencing, Blanton said: “I guess the good Lord will settle it on judgment day.”
Governor Ivey added in her statement,
“Let us never forget that Sunday morning in September of 1963 and the four young ladies whose lives ended far too soon, but let us continue taking steps forward to heal, do better and honor those who sacrificed everything for Alabama and our nation to be a home of opportunity for all.”
Press Play Below For More:
RELATED: Chicago Experiences Deadliest Memorial Day Weekend With 36 Shot, 9 Killed