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Untold United Airlines Flight 629 Bombing
One In-Person Session / FREE
Symposium, Sat., Nov. 1, 2025, 7 pm MT

On Tuesday, November 1, 1955, United Airlines Flight 629 departed ºÚÁÏÃÅ’s Stapleton Airfield en route to Portland, Oregon, with 39 passengers and five crew members. Eleven minutes after departing, the flight exploded eight miles east of Longmont, killing everyone aboard.

The bombing was the first confirmed case of sabotage against a commercial aircraft in the U.S. The subsequent investigation set new standards for forensic science in airline crash investigations and ultimately found that John Gilbert Graham of Lakewood, Colorado, placed dynamite in his mother’s suitcase to collect insurance money from her death.

The tragedy led to a landmark decision by the Colorado Supreme Court, which allowed the trial to be televised and paved the way for greater media access to courtrooms. It also dramatically changed security arrangements for air travelers. And, of course, the tragedy shocked the American people due to its cold-blooded nature.

To mark the tragedy’s 70th anniversary, the Enrichment Program is honored to co-host a symposium on November 1 at 7 pm at Wings Over the Rockies (7711 E. Academy Blvd., ºÚÁÏÃÅ, CO, 80230) that explores the enduring legacy of this horrific event while serving as a tribute to those lost.

Special presentations are planned by guest speakers and former ºÚÁÏÃÅ District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, who shares the event’s background and trial. Additionally, , daughter of Flight 629 victim Marion Hobgood and author of the book Finding My Father, considers the ripple of tragedy and trauma and the importance of forgiveness.

Special activities include a memorial for the victims at the old Stapleton Tower on Saturday, November 1 at 11 am, which is open to the public. History Colorado is hosting a special display through January 2026. And ºÚÁÏÃÅ Police Museum volunteers have located victims’ surviving families who are expected to attend the events.

was elected district attorney of ºÚÁÏÃÅ in 2004 and was sworn into office in 2005. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in DNA technology, applying that technology in criminal prosecutions and working to ensure that DNA science is admissible in court. A veteran prosecutor, he introduced the first DNA evidence used in a criminal trial in ºÚÁÏÃÅ.