The public reaction to the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase on June 17, 1994 was one of shock, fascination and bizarre entertainment:
An estimated 95 million people watched the live televised chase, making it one of the most watched events in TV history[1][2]. People were glued to their sets, not wanting to miss any developments[2].
Crowds gathered on overpasses and freeways, cheering Simpson on with signs saying "Run OJ Run!" and "Go OJ!"[1] The chase scene was described as a "theater of the absurd" and "truly odd" by those watching[1].
Domino's Pizza reported record pizza delivery sales that night as people ordered food to keep them company while watching the unfolding drama[2].
The chase overshadowed major sports news happening that day, including the U.S. Open, World Cup, Stanley Cup Finals and NBA Finals[2]. ESPN and NBC frequently interrupted their sports coverage for chase updates[2].
Many interpreted Simpson's slow-speed "flight" not as an escape attempt, but as buying time to decide whether to commit suicide, as he was reportedly holding a gun to his own head[5]. His friend Al Cowlings was trying to talk him out of it during the chase[5].
So in summary, the public was captivated by the bizarre spectacle of a famous celebrity leading police on a surreal, slow-speed chase, with many seeing it as a bizarre form of entertainment and media circus. The reaction highlighted the public's fascination with celebrity scandals and the power of live television to bring people together around a shared cultural moment.
Here is a concise timeline of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman on June 12, 1994:
6:30 pm: Nicole Brown Simpson, her children, and friends dine at Mezzaluna restaurant where Ronald Goldman works as a waiter[1][3][4].
8:00 pm: The group stops for ice cream on their way home after dinner[4].
9:15 pm: Nicole's mother calls Mezzaluna to report leaving her glasses there. Goldman volunteers to return them to Nicole's house[1][3][4].
9:45 pm - 9:50 pm: Goldman exits Mezzaluna with the glasses and heads to Nicole's condominium[3][4].
10:15 pm: Nicole's neighbor Pablo Fenjves hears a dog barking persistently from Nicole's residence, likely the time of the murders[4].
10:40 pm: Brian "Kato" Kaelin, who is staying at O.J. Simpson's guest house, hears three distinct thumps on the exterior wall of his room[1][4].
12:10 am: The bodies of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman are discovered outside her townhouse[1][4].
The murders likely occurred between 10:15 pm and 10:40 pm, based on the barking dog and thumping noises heard by neighbors[1][4]. Goldman was killed after arriving at Nicole's house to return her mother's glasses[3][4].