Authorities Say Explosion was Deliberate
NASHVILLE – NEWS – An explosion in downtown Nashville at 6:30 AM was a deliberate act according to Nashville Police officials.
Don Aaron a spokesperson for the police says that the 6:30 a.m. explosion, that resulted in shattered glass and damage to nearby buildings is believed to be “an intentional act.”
Police were aware of the vehicle, an RV, at 6:00 am and were in the process of bringing in the bomb squad to deal with the vehicle. The explosion happened before that unit of the police was able to arrive on the scene.
Update: “The RV was playing a recorded message that indicated a bomb would explode in 15 minutes”, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake told reporters in a press conference today.
BREAKING: This is the RV that exploded on 2nd Ave N this morning. It arrived on 2nd Ave at 1:22 a.m. Have you seen this vehicle in our area or do you have information about it? Please contact us via Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 or online via https://t.co/dVGS7o0m4v. @ATFHQ pic.twitter.com/JNx9sDinAH
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
There were tweets that suggested this being posted on the social media site but there was no way to confirm the accuracy of the information.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is taking lead on the investigation.
#FBIMemphis is seeking information and digital media from today’s explosion in Nashville, TN.https://t.co/upqGuPYRrg
Those who prefer to call can do so by dialing 1-800-CALL-FBI.
— FBI Memphis (@FBIMemphis) December 25, 2020
An FBI source is reporting that there were no indications of violence from any known extremist group.
The explosion was beside the AT&T Building and now the Emergency 911 lines are impacted.
BREAKING: This is the RV that exploded on 2nd Ave N this morning. It arrived on 2nd Ave at 1:22 a.m. Have you seen this vehicle in our area or do you have information about it? Please contact us via Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 or online via https://t.co/dVGS7o0m4v. @ATFHQ pic.twitter.com/JNx9sDinAH
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
Footage from the scene on 2nd Ave North as multiple agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/5g40RhwNNl
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
Some photos showing damage on 2nd Ave North as multiple agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/0cWA3oUCDl
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
Police report that MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 am explosion on 2nd Avenue North linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues.
Huge explosion in Downtown Nashville around 6am#nashville #nashvilleexplosion pic.twitter.com/50K9DbfkVr
— AB (@DJ_PAPA_SMURF) December 25, 2020
Three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Police say that none of the injured are in critical condition.
Our canine teams are doing protective sweeps in the downtown area. Traffic downtown is restricted. pic.twitter.com/SAH25JZwIg
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
Nashville Mayor John Cooper says, “The cause of the explosion is under investigation with help from federal authorities. MNPD will share updates as they become available and is restricting downtown traffic.”
Nashville Fire reports,”The EOC is activated in response to an intentional bombing incident in Downtown Nashville. Just after 6:30 am on Friday December 25, 2020 an explosion outside of 166 Second Avenue North caused extensive damage.
“Representatives from OEM, Nashville Fire Department, Mayor’s Office, Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Agencies will use the EOC to coordinate ongoing response and investigative operations”.
Developing…
