Chris Christie said Sunday it’s still unclear if the explosion that went off near a Marine Corps 5K race in his state Saturday was connected to other incidents, including one NY, but “they are terrorism”.
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SEASIDE PARK, N.J. (AP) – Jersey Shore beaches were reopened Sunday as an investigation continued into a pipe bomb explosion at a seaside community before thousands of runners were to participate in a charity 5K race to benefit Marines and sailors.
Less than three hours after the NY blast, an object police described as a “possible secondary device” was found just a few blocks away from the original explosion on 27th Street while officers were combing the area.
Damage to a garbage can after a bomb exploded in Seaside Park, Sept. 17, 2016. Earlier on Saturday, Al Della Fave, spokesman of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, said the incident “did not appear to be a prank”.
“A typical explosive device – to generate maximum injuries – they will often place them within an additional container like a trash can, so when it does go off, the trash can, itself, will become part of the explosive, and send shrapnel flying”, said Della Fave.
The governor said the explosion was an act of terror, but that there was no evidence that an global terror group like ISIS was responsible. However, authorities said several beaches in the area would remain closed until further notice.
In New Jersey, a suspicious backpack had caused the Semper Five race to be delayed – and no participants were near the explosion site when it happened.
Speaking in an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation”, Christie said law enforcement officials have some “promising leads” in the Seaside Park investigation, but have not officially named a suspect.
Even so, the explosion stirred dark memories of the deadly blasts at the finish line of the Boston Marathon in 2013 that killed three people and wounded more than 260 others.
Following the blast, authorities immediately canceled the race and the area was put on lockdown. At this time police are securing the area.
William Sweeney, head of the FBI’s New York Division, said agents would be collecting evidence until Sunday evening.
“No stone will be left unturned”, Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Cohen said.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the charity race would be rescheduled.
Christie said that, like many people, he had suspicions of a connection.
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He said he’s confident law enforcement will find the person responsible. He said those in the area have been through a lot, with Superstorm Sandy and its aftermath, and now the bomb blast.
