Authorities are investigating a pipe bomb that exploded in a Jersey Shore garbage can Saturday morning, shortly before hundreds of people were expected to run through the area in a charity race benefiting Marines and Navy sailors.
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Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, told CNN that multiple, timed devices were in the trash can sitting alongside the intended route of the race, though only one exploded.
Seaside Park beachfront in New Jersey has been evacuated after a pipe bomb explosion occurred just moments before a military charity race was set to begin. He said investigators were “fanning out” to secure the area before letting residents return, checking all public infrastructure, including trash cans and residence exteriors.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union”, Mr. Christie said investigations into each of the incidents are ongoing. A seafood festival in Point Pleasant Beach was also canceled.
Rispoli said the explosion will not rattle the spirit of people in Seaside Park.
Authorities urged people to stay away and the area around Ocean Avenue and D Street were evacuated, police said.
So far, it remained unknown whether it was criminal or terrorist, said Della Fave, adding that he assumed that US Marines and their families had been targeted.
The start of the run had been delayed due to the vast amount of participants, so there were not many people in the area when the explosion occurred.
Throughout the day Saturday, there were two explanations offered by authorities and event organizers as to what caused the start of the Seaside Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K to be delayed, perhaps inadvertently saving lives and avoiding injuries. Anyone with information can contact 1-800-CALLFBI and select option 1.
Cohen did not take any questions, citing an active investigation. He heard it from his location and saw a puff of white smoke rise about 30 to 35 feet in the air.
“Now, who is responsible is something else and what the motive was is something else that hopefully we are going to find out in the days ahead”, he said.
“The Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit is on scene and will be assisted by FBI, ATF and New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad (NJSP)”.
“When it went off, there was nobody in the area”, Della Fave said.
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“We’re always on alert after September 11. always aware of our surroundings”, Young said. A second suspicious device was reportedly found and bomb dogs are searching for any additional devices.
