FBI Office Burglary
Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
On March 8, 1971, the Citizens’ Commission to Investigate the FBI broke into the bureau’s local office here and found proof of the agency’s domestic surveillance programs, including Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO). Exposure of the program contributed to the US Senate Church Committee’s investigation into these surveillance practices and resulted in congressional oversight of all federal intelligence agencies.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
On the night of March 8, 1971, a small group calling itself the Citizens' Commission to Investigate the FBI slipped into the bureau's Media field office and carried off its files. Among the stolen documents was proof of COINTELPRO, the FBI's secret program to surveil, infiltrate, and disrupt domestic political groups. The revelations, published in the press, forced the government's covert spying into public view.
Why it matters
The break-in helped trigger the Senate's Church Committee investigation and the lasting system of congressional oversight of America's intelligence agencies — a turning point in the balance between security and civil liberties.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer12.8 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia12.9 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall12.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center13.0 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall13.0 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall13.0 mi away · PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand9.9 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo11.0 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge11.2 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir11.4 mi away
- Commandant's Quarters11.5 mi away
- Rocky Steps11.6 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden12.8 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily12.8 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon12.8 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe12.8 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory12.8 mi away
- Maya's Pizza & Grill12.8 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City12.2 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City12.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites12.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express12.3 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn12.4 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City12.4 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related events
- · Media FBI office burglary
- · COINTELPRO exposure
- · Church Committee
Themes & tags
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