Plane Crash into IRS Building in Austin, Texas - February 18, 2010

On February 18, 2010, a tragic and deliberate act of violence occurred when Andrew Joseph Stack III flew a small aircraft into the Echelon office complex in Austin, Texas. This building housed offices of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including Stack himself, and left several others injured.

Background

Andrew Joseph Stack III was a software engineer with a history of grievances against the IRS. He had expressed his frustrations over tax issues and government policies in a manifesto he posted online prior to the attack. Stack’s actions were driven by his personal vendetta against the IRS, which he blamed for his financial difficulties.

The Incident

• Date and Time: The crash occurred on the morning of February 18, 2010.
• Aircraft: Stack piloted a Piper PA-28 Cherokee, a small single-engine aircraft.
• Location: The plane crashed into the Echelon office complex, which housed around 190 IRS employees.

Immediate Impact

• Casualties: The crash resulted in the deaths of Andrew Joseph Stack III and IRS employee Vernon Hunter. Thirteen others were injured, two of them critically.
• Damage: The crash caused a significant fire, leading to extensive damage to the building.

Response

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, evacuating the building and tending to the injured. The fire was brought under control, and an investigation was launched by federal authorities, including the FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Aftermath

• Investigation: The investigation confirmed that the crash was a deliberate act by Stack. His manifesto provided insight into his motives, highlighting his longstanding grievances with the IRS.
• Security Measures: The incident prompted discussions about security measures at federal buildings and the potential for similar attacks.
• Public Reaction: The attack was widely condemned, and it sparked a national conversation about the pressures of financial distress and mental health.

Broader Significance

This tragic event underscored the potential for individual grievances to escalate into acts of violence. It highlighted the need for vigilance in addressing security vulnerabilities and the importance of providing support for individuals facing financial and personal crises.

The attack on the IRS building in Austin remains a somber reminder of the consequences of unresolved grievances and the impact of personal vendettas on public safety.