This photo shows the Statue of Liberty seen from the torch. The torch has been closed to the public since 1916 when it was damaged in an explosion caused by German spies. The event is known as the Black Tom explosion, which happened on July 30, 1916. At that time, the United States had not yet joined World War 1, but they were selling weapons to the Allied powers. Germany sent saboteurs to destroy production lines and supplies. Around 100,000 pounds (45,000 kg) of TNT were stored on a barge on the night of the explosion. Guards noticed small fires and left, fearing an explosion. At 2:08 am, the first and biggest explosion occurred. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, equivalent to 5.0 and 5.5 on the Richter scale. The blast was felt in Philadelphia and shattered windows in Times Square. The explosion caused $20,000,000 in damages and claimed four lives. This incident turned public opinion against Germany and eventually led the United States to join World War 1 on April 16th, 1917.