David Copeland was born on May 15, 1976 in England. He grew up in a relatively normal household with his mother, who was a housewife, and his father, who worked as an engineer. However, even from a young age, Copeland displayed signs of being a troubled individual.
As a teenager, Copeland was known to his peers as "Mr. Angry" due to his short temper and tendency to lash out at those around him. This anger would eventually manifest in a much more sinister way when Copeland carried out a thirteen-day bombing spree in London targeting minority groups.
During his reign of terror, Copeland planted homemade bombs in various locations around London, including markets and pubs frequented by the city's Black, Asian, and LGBTQ+ communities. The attacks left three people dead and over a hundred injured, sparking fear and outrage throughout the city.
Following his arrest, Copeland was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia by five different psychiatrists. This mental illness was believed to have played a significant role in his decision to carry out the bombings, as well as his inability to comprehend the consequences of his actions.
Despite his mental health issues, Copeland's actions were classified as acts of domestic terrorism. He and Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh shared the distinction of being domestic terrorists who used explosives to carry out their attacks.
David Copeland's reign of terror may have been brief, but its impact on the people of London was long-lasting. The wounds inflicted by his bombings have left scars on the city's minority communities, reminding them of the dangers posed by individuals like Copeland who seek to spread fear and division.