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This FBI civil rights file concerns the May 13, 1985 confrontation and fire at the MOVE house in Philadelphia. The Bureau opened a preliminary investigation after allegations that Philadelphia police officers prevented MOVE members from escaping the burning building, potentially implicating federal civil rights statutes. The released records include Department of Justice instructions to obtain reports from the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments and ATF, monitor related state criminal proceedings, and investigate witness allegations. They also contain evidence inventories for photographs, fire-ground materials, television footage, an interview tape of Birdie Africa, a Medical Examiner's Office report, and Philadelphia Fire Department alarm reports dated May 13, 1985.

FBI file number: 44-4393 | Documents span: 1985 | Released in 2 parts
Names in this file: Birdie Africa, Jerry Africa, Bradford Reynolds, Linda Davis, Ed Dennis, Andrew Vita
Subjects: MOVE, Philadelphia, civil rights investigation, police conduct, fire department records, 1985 MOVE bombing