Investigators uncover the nashville bombing target: destruction, not death

As the suspect who caused the explosion in downtown Nashville surfaced early in the morning of Christmas, the local government turned its attention to a more difficult question to answer on Monday (28th): Why did the suspect commit the crime?

The New York Times reported that investigators said Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, had equipped his RV with explosives and parked it in a well-known entertainment and recreation area in the city center, which is often a gathering place for tourists and shoppers. However, before the explosion, he broadcast a message warning people of the impending explosion. The explosion occurred at 6:30 a.m. on the 25th, when the scene of the crime was basically empty.

The blast killed Warner, injured three others and caused structural damage to at least 41 buildings in the city center. One of the buildings collapsed, and some residents were displaced and forced to live in hotels or friends' homes. But investigators point out that if the explosion occurred at different times, the loss of people's lives could be even greater.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch said on the 28th: "The intention of this bombing is clearly to cause damage rather than cause death." ”

Rausch said investigators were visiting Warner's relatives and neighbors, including his mother.

"Through this work, we hope to get answers." Rausch noted that investigators did not have the opportunity to communicate with Warner, which made the investigation more difficult.

"We're not sure if we can get a full answer because Warner is dead," he said. ”

Rausch said Warner did not receive attention from law enforcement before the bombing. According to his criminal record, he was arrested in 1978 for possessing marijuana at the age of 21.

Laush said the vacancy in the criminal record meant that the clues provided by the public were "absolutely critical" to identifying a suspect. Investigators therefore found images showing the RV involved in the case on Google Maps and further traveled to Warner's home to investigate, eventually confirming the suspect's identity by comparing DNA extracted from his hat and gloves.

Rausch added that investigators are still struggling to find the materials that Warner made the bomb. Both Rausch and the local justice department said they could not determine whether Warner parked the vehicle near the AT&T building by accident or on purpose.

The explosion damaged the AT&T building and caused widespread signal disruptions for days, affecting parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee noted that communications at more than 20 911 call centers have also been hampered.

AT&T said in a statement that the company is still working to provide services to all of its customers, and most of the services have now been restored.

Since the case, investigators have been debating whether the bombing should be characterized as an act of terrorism. According to people familiar with the matter, a few hours after the explosion last Friday (25th), Nashville Mayor John Cooper's assistant consulted with robert Cooper, the city's legal director, to determine whether to use the term before legal characterization.

Ed Yarborough, a former lawyer for the Middle District of Tennessee, agreed with the assessment.

"According to our modern definition, terrorism is a panic for ordinary people by killing innocent citizens for political or religious purposes." "Warner is clearly trying to avoid the deaths and injuries of innocent people, contrary to what terrorists usually do," Jabre said. ”

On the morning of the 28th, downtown Nashville gradually returned to normal. The area previously blocked by investigators has been further reduced, and there are occasional vehicles and pedestrians passing through the streets nearby, which is an encouraging signal for businesses that have already been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On that day, about 60 regular customers have poured into the live music bar, Honky Tonk Central. There, the song "There's Your Trouble" by "Dixie Chicks" is intertwined with the roar of construction trucks on the street.

A family of eight from Jacksonville and Melbourne, Florida, said the blast would not hinder their vacation, except for the need to change their lunch bookings. They still plan to visit the Johnny Cash Museum and gaylord Opryland Resort.

"The bombing will not affect our travel." Shirley Turner, from Jacksonville, said. (End)