Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Jan, 16, 2025.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Jan. 16, 1988, Addam Swapp and Vickie Singer detonated 50 pounds of dynamite inside a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in the tiny town of Marion, in Summit County.
The 3 a.m. blast on roughly the nine-year anniversary of John Singer’s death was the next step in a battle between the polygamous family and the U.S. government. It ended 13 days later with more bloodshed, including the fatal shooting death of Utah Department of Corrections Lt. Fred House.
The start
On Jan. 18, 1979, John Singer’s compound was raided by a group of 10 Summit County Sheriff’s officers. After pulling out his gun, Singer was shot to death.
One reason for the confrontation was the Singer family’s decision to pull their children out of Utah public schools.
The seige
After setting off the blast in 1988, the family retreated to their home compound where they (six adults and nine children) prepared to defend themselves against the U.S. government. Within a day, the compound had been surrounded by roughly 150 law enforcement personnel.
According to Deseret News reporting, the bombing was intended to spark a confrontation. Instead, it launched a 13-day standoff that ended on Jan. 28, 1988.
Coverage in the Deseret News and other news media was extensive.
The aftermath
Swapp, considered the man most responsible for the standoff, served 25 years of combined state and federal sentences before being released in 2013.
John Timothy Singer, John Singer’s son, was the one who actually shot and killed House. He was paroled in 2006 after serving federal time and nearly 10 years of a manslaughter conviction.
The matriarch of the clan, Vickie Singer, was sentenced to five years in prison followed by five years of probation for helping orchestrate the event.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the standoff:
"25 years after infamous standoff, Addam Swapp may soon be released from prison"
"Orchestrator of infamous Singer-Swapp standoff released from prison after 25 years"
"Singer-Swapp battle not over"
"Singer-Swapp siege a turning point in Utah home school policies, practices and attitudes"
“Singer-Swapp standoff shows Waco isn’t alone”
