The FBI launched a raid at a building in Elizabeth, New Jersey Monday morning, local media reported, hours after investigators uncovered five suspicious devices – one of which exploded – near a train station in that city.
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The device was detonated in a controlled setting, Bollwage said. One of the bombs inside the backpack detonated as a robot investigated the device.
No injuries were reported in the explosion, which went off when a bomb robot was examining it, the reports said.
ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) – A suspicious device found in a trash can near a New Jersey train station exploded early Monday as a bomb squad was attempting to disarm it with a robot, officials said.
Expect major delays today on all mass transit. Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains, ferries and buses are honoring those rail tickets.
Amtrak said 2,400 passengers were affected, but that schedules returned to normal Monday morning.
Authorities early on Monday were working to remove the other devices found in the backpack, Bollwage said.
The FBI Newark tweeted that it was “a suspicious package with multiple improvised explosive devices”. According to law enforcement sources cited by the New York Daily News, the five people are being investigated for their connections to the recent bombing in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood and reportedly had a cache of weapons in the vehicle when they were pulled over.
The FBI is asking anyone with information to contact authorities at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
According to Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, two men saw the package at North Broad Street and Julian Place.
But, he told CBS News, the men didn’t see who dropped the device in the trash. It was yet unclear when train service would re-open, but commuters were advised to seek alternate means of transportation.
In New York last night, the F.B.I. arrested 5 men who somehow may be connected to the recent bombs, as they drove to the airport.
Bollwage also said police were reviewing surveillance from a nearby bar.
On Sunday, a federal law enforcement official said the Chelsea bomb contained a residue of Tannerite, an explosive often used for target practice that can be picked up in many sporting goods stores.
NYPD and FBI Bomb technicians rendered the device safe. “We need to get this guy right away”.
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Police investigators look through the debris on the street in front of St. Vincent de Paul church where an explosion occurred on 23rd street between 6th and 7th Avenue in the borough of Manhattan in NY on Saturday.
