#115: Thirty Years Later: Lessons from the Atlanta Olympic Bombing

This special edition of Crime and the Courtroom commemorates the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing and the series of attacks that followed. Drawing on his personal experience as a young forensic scientist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and later the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), John Collins reflects on his role in one of the most significant domestic terrorism investigations in American history. He pays tribute to the victims and their families, whose lives were forever changed by these tragic events, while remembering the dedication of the investigators, first responders, and forensic professionals who worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice. Beyond recounting the investigation, Collins explores some lasting lessons that emerged from the case—particularly the importance of professional integrity, ethical scientific practice, and clear communication in high-profile criminal investigations. He discusses how the forensic examination of bomb components ultimately helped connect the attacks to Eric Rudolph, while emphasizing the responsibility of forensic experts to remain objective, humble, and focused on the pursuit of truth. This reflective episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on a landmark investigation and the enduring principles that continue to guide forensic science and criminal justice today. YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCE LINKS None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.