Birmingham bus attack facts for kids
In 1961, brave groups of people called Freedom Riders traveled on buses through the southern United States. They were protesting against unfair laws that separated people based on their skin color, known as segregation. These laws were still in place even after the Supreme Court said that segregation on buses was against the law. The Freedom Riders wanted to show that these unfair rules were still being followed.
On May 14, 1961, two buses carrying Freedom Riders were heading to Birmingham, Alabama. This was a very important time during the American Civil Rights Movement.
The Attack in Birmingham
When one of the buses arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, a large group of people attacked it. These attackers were members of the Ku Klux Klan, a group known for its violence and hatred. The local police, led by Commissioner Bull Connor, did not help the Freedom Riders. In fact, they seemed to let the attack happen.
As the Freedom Riders got off the bus, the mob beat them with baseball bats, metal pipes, and bicycle chains. Some of the attackers even included people who were secretly working for the FBI. White Freedom Riders were often attacked even more fiercely. One rider, James Peck, was badly hurt and needed more than 50 stitches on his head. He was taken to a hospital, but they refused to treat him. He finally received help at another hospital.
Standing Strong
News of the bus attack and beatings quickly reached US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He was very concerned. Kennedy asked the Freedom Riders to stay calm and sent an assistant, John Seigenthaler, to Alabama to try and help.
Even after all the violence, the Freedom Riders were determined to keep going. They wanted to finish their journey. Kennedy arranged for police to protect the riders on their way to Montgomery, Alabama. However, radio reports warned that another angry mob was waiting for them in Montgomery. The bus company workers also told the riders that no drivers would take them any further.
