Anthony Yates
FBI agents have arrested two men in Utah after an explosive device was discovered under a FOX News vehicle.
Videos by Rare
What happened: According to a report by FOX News, officials found the device under a news truck in Salt Lake City and confirmed it was real. They noted that someone had lit the device, but it “failed to function.”
- The Salt Lake City Bomb Squad reportedly located the device under a FOX 13 news vehicle, which was parked near an occupied building. Investigators ultimately traced the explosive to a residence near 2700 South and 8500 West in Magna.
- Authorities identified the suspects as 31-year-old Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir and 58-year-old Adeeb Nasir. FBI agents arrived at the residence with the assistance of the bomb squad and evacuated the nearby area.
- Detectives found drugs, bomb making equipment, two hoax weapons of mass destruction, and two firearms at the property.
Authorities Say The Incident Posed A “Significant Threat” To The Public
A mass casualty risk: According to CBS, the FBI is leading the investigation with the assistance of the Unified Fire Authority bomb squad.
- Unified Fire Authority Investigations officer Jeffrey David Nelson reportedly said, “Due to the nature of the device and its placement, this incident constituted a significant threat to public safety,” noting the mass casualty risk.
- The outlet claims the suspects could face charges of attempted aggravated arson, threat of terrorism, and possession of weapons of mass destruction. Many details about the suspects remain unclear, but CBS points out that both men were prohibited from owning firearms.
- Authorities reportedly booked the suspects into Salt Lake County Jail on Sunday without bail.
Another foiled WMD plot: A man from Tennessee pleaded guilty earlier this month to attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. He planned to destroy an energy facility.
- The Office of Public Affairs shared details about the incident in a press release. They explain that 24-year-old Skyler Philippi pleaded guilty to the charge on September 9.
- Authorities also shared details about the scheme. The suspect planned to fly a WMD into an energy facility using a custom-made drone. He spoke with undercover officers, who ultimately ensured he was caught red-handed.
- Phillipi is due to be sentenced in January. He faces maximum penalties of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI is still investigating the incident.
