On Monday, law enforcement officials investigating a series of bombings in Austin, Texas, declared the incidents as the work of a serial bomber. Then early on Tuesday morning, the area was hit again with another explosion—this time in a FedEx facility outside of the city of San Antonio, just an hour’s drive from Austin.
This is the fifth bombing to take place in Texas during the month of March. Per a CNN report, officials are now trying to figure out whether this latest blast is related to the ones in Austin.
One FedEx team member suffered minor injuries when a "single package exploded" at the ground sorting facility, company spokesman Jim McCluskey said Tuesday in a statement. An ATF spokeswoman earlier had said no injuries were reported.
"We are not providing any additional specific information about this package at this time," McCluskey said.
While the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is still trying to learn what happened and why, they also have the challenge of connecting the dots in an investigation which is becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated. The first three bombs were contained in packages left on the doorsteps of people’s homes. The fourth bomb, which officials say showed a greater level of skill than the previous ones, was detonated on Sunday night after two men on bicycles triggered a trip wire. So far, the bombings have claimed the lives of two people and have injured five more.
While there are no concrete conclusions, FBI San Antonio spokeswoman Michelle Lee says there is reason to suspect that this bombing is related to the investigation in Austin.
If the FedEx incident is confirmed to be linked to the Austin blasts, it would represent a new method for the suspect or suspects. None of the four previous explosives was mailed.
Tuesday, Mar 20, 2018 · 4:08:29 PM +00:00 · Kelly Macias
The latest update is that authorities have determined that the intended target of the package bomb which exploded at the FedEx facility was not the intended target, nor was anyone who lives in the immediate area. It appears that the package was sent from Austin to Austin. The investigation is still ongoing.
While he has spent the last few days obsessively tweeting about the supposed “witch hunt” against him within the FBI, Donald Trump has yet to address the situation nor has he said anything about the possibility that this could be the work of a terrorist. This has not gone unnoticed by certain lawmakers and advocacy organizations—particularly because the three victims of the bombings were people of color and there was a family connection between the first two. Police have not ruled out the possibility that these could be hate crimes.
Three members of the Congressional Black Caucus called Monday for federal officials to classify the bombings as terrorist attacks and determine whether they are "ideologically or racially motivated."
The NAACP called the incidents "acts of domestic terrorism" and called for vigilance and caution for communities in Austin.
Given the realities of terrorism and the history of racial animus and violence in our country, and in the American South in particular, it is negligent and says a lot about the Trump administration that they have been completely silent on the issue while the people of Texas remain on heightened alert. But it’s not surprising. And though he’s doing nearly everything he can to discredit the FBI, let’s hope that they have the resources to do their jobs quickly and efficiently in order to keep the Austin area community safe.
In the meantime, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley reminds local residents to report any tips they have, "no matter how inconsequential you think it may be.” And, as a continued reminder, not to approach or open anything that may seem suspicious.