A Demand, and a Debate: Publishing the Unabomber's Manifesto

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 2, 2026

In 1995, The Washington Post and The New York Times jointly published the Unabomber’s 35,000-word manifesto after receiving threats from Ted Kaczynski, hoping that its circulation would aid in identifying the perpetrator. This unprecedented editorial decision ultimately contributed to Kaczynski’s capture when his brother recognized the writing style and alerted the FBI.

In the summer of 1995, news organizations faced an unprecedented challenge when a 35,000-word manifesto from the Unabomber arrived with a demand for publication. The dense, philosophical document criticized the impact of modern society and technology on the environment and human freedom. Accompanying the manuscript was a handwritten letter stating that if it were published promptly and widely, the terror campaign would cease permanently.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, suspecting the author to be the elusive Unabomber—later identified as Ted Kaczynski—had been tracking a series of mail bomb attacks since 1978. The bombings targeted individuals connected primarily to academic institutions but had gradually shifted to other figures, including an advertising executive in 1994 and the president of the California Forestry Association in 1993. Kaczynski’s directive was clear: the manuscript had to be printed in full within three months.

The unusual demand sparked intense internal debate among editors at The New York Times. The key question centered on the potential consequences of publishing the manifesto. Would complying set a precedent that encouraged future terrorists to dictate editorial decisions? Conversely, would refusing the demand risk further violence? Many journalists maintained that it was inappropriate to accede to the threats of a terrorist.

Both The New York Times and The Washington Post received identical copies of the manifesto, prompting collaboration between their leadership. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., publisher of The Times, and Donald E. Graham, publisher of The Post, agreed to coordinate their response. In the weeks leading up to the September deadline, the publishers and executive editors met with senior federal officials, including FBI Director Louis Freeh and U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. These officials, in an unusual move, urged publication, hoping that widespread circulation could lead to someone recognizing the author’s voice and ultimately help in the investigation.

The papers agreed to jointly publish the manifesto but decided it would run only as a standalone section in The Washington Post on September 19, 1995. This strategy aimed to reduce costs and limit exposure, as The Post had a smaller circulation than The Times. In effect, the publications yielded to a terrorist's demand despite the lack of clear news value, raising ethical questions about the role of the press.

Weeks after publication, David Kaczynski, the Unabomber’s brother, encountered excerpts online and recognized similarities to letters his brother had sent him. Following his wife’s insistence, David reported his suspicions to the FBI. His tip led to the arrest of Ted Kaczynski, bringing to a close the FBI’s longest and most costly manhunt at that time.

The publication of the Unabomber’s manifesto remains a notable case in journalism, illustrating the complex balance between public safety, editorial independence, and the power wielded by those who resort to violence.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.