The Rampage of Marvin Heemeyer: June 4, 2004

On June 4, 2004, Marvin Heemeyer, a welder and muffler repair shop owner, went on a destructive rampage in Granby, Colorado, using a heavily modified bulldozer. This event, often referred to as the “Killdozer” incident, resulted in significant property damage and has since become a notable example of extreme vigilantism.

Background

Marvin Heemeyer had been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with the town of Granby and several local businesses. The conflict primarily revolved around zoning issues and the construction of a concrete plant adjacent to his muffler shop. Heemeyer felt that the town council and local government were unfairly targeting him, and his grievances were exacerbated by failed legal appeals and perceived injustices.

The Rampage

Heemeyer spent over a year secretly modifying a Komatsu D355A bulldozer in his shop. He reinforced it with steel and concrete armor, effectively turning it into an improvised tank. The vehicle was equipped with cameras and gun ports, allowing Heemeyer to navigate and defend his position from within the armored cabin.

On the day of the rampage, Heemeyer drove the fortified bulldozer through the town of Granby, targeting buildings associated with those he believed had wronged him. Over the course of several hours, he demolished:

• The concrete plant that sparked his grievances.
• The town hall.
• The local newspaper office.
• A former mayor’s home.
• Several other businesses and properties.

Despite the extensive property damage, no one was injured during the incident, largely because Heemeyer had chosen to attack buildings when they were unoccupied.

Aftermath

The rampage ended when the bulldozer became stuck in the basement of a hardware store. Unable to free the vehicle, Heemeyer took his own life inside the cabin. Law enforcement, which had been unable to stop the bulldozer with conventional weapons, eventually used explosives to breach the armor and confirm his death.

The incident caused an estimated $7 million in damages. It sparked debates about property rights, government accountability, and the lengths to which individuals might go when they feel wronged by the system.

Broader Historical Significance

The “Killdozer” incident has since become a cultural phenomenon, often cited in discussions about individual rights versus governmental authority. It highlights the potential for extreme actions when grievances are left unaddressed and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unresolved disputes.

In the years following the event, Marvin Heemeyer has been portrayed by some as a folk hero standing up against perceived tyranny, while others view his actions as a dangerous and unjustifiable attack on a community. The incident remains a complex and multifaceted chapter in American history.