Bombing of the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center

The bombing of the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center was a terrorist attack executed by the Agni Kai Triad that led to the escalation of tensions between Northern and Southern Water Tribe residents of Republic City. Conducted during the Southern Water Tribe's peace march against the occupation of the South by Chief Unalaq's forces, the bombing led to serious political entanglements inside of the United Republic of Nations.

Prelude
In the course of the dark spirit incidents, Chief Unalaq ordered the North's military to begin a belligerent occupation of the Southern Water Tribe. This led to nationwide unrest that eventually escalated into open civil war, when the Southern Water Tribe rebels took up arms against the North. Avatar Korra, daughter of the rebellion leader Tonraq, traveled to Republic City in order to persuade President Raiko in getting the United Forces on the side of the rebels.

Meanwhile, Southern Water Tribe residents of Republic City organized a peace march in support of the re-institution of the Southern Water Tribe's sovereignty. After arriving at the United Republic capital, Korra was informed of the protest and decided to participate. In order to avoid clashes between Southerners and Northerners during the protest, the Republic City police deployed their forces to keep the peace.

Bombing


The following night, the protest march took place, led by Korra. As expected by the police, Northerners organized a counter-protest in support of Chief Unalaq. Nevertheless, due to the heavy police presence, no violent clashes occurred.

However, while the police monitored the protests, members of the Agni Kai Triad made their way into the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center, placing bombs on the upper floors. At the climax of the march, the criminals detonated the building. When the criminals were about to escape from the scene, they were hindered by Officer Mako, the only witness to their actions. Despite his efforts, he could not stop them, and they successfully escaped, leading most Republic City residents to believe that the bombing was a Northern Water Tribe terrorist attack.

Both participants of the protest as well as the policemen present were shocked by the bombing, and the fire could only be extinguished by the joint efforts of firefighters and the Avatar.

Aftermath
As most believed the Northern Water Tribe to be behind the attack, Avatar Korra firmly implored the president to intervene. Raiko, however, was still convinced that the only way to solve the Water Tribe Civil War was with diplomacy between the two sides. Korra then attempted to pass over Raiko by directly asking General Iroh for help. While Iroh was willing to fight the North, the president prevented this by issuing the general an official order not to intervene on any Water Tribe affairs. Meanwhile, Mako began to investigate the case, believing that the North was innocent.