Latest updates:
Human remains have been discovered at the site of the explosion. “We found tissue that we believe could be human remains,” Nashville Police Chief John Drake told reporters on Friday evening. “We’ll have that examined and we’ll be able to tell you from that point.”
A Nashville resident told Fox News that he heard multiple gunshots approximately an hour before the explosion. A 911 call reporting gunfire initially brought police officers to the area.
After responding to a call about a suspicious R.V. parked in a downtown area of Nashville, one or more police officers arrived at the scene and heard what was described as “announcements coming from the R.V.” The recording warned that s bomb would detonate imminently and police were able to clear some people from the area.
Police are not sure whether anyone was inside the vehicle when it exploded. Damage is significant but still, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported. The FBI and ATF are taking the lead on the investigation. There are no reports of any individual or group taking credit for attack and law enforcement agencies have no known motive.
Judd Deere, a spokesman for President Trump, who is currently in Florida, said: “The president is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured.”
Original Report: The FBI is now leading an investigation into an early-morning explosion in downtown Nashville, TN. According to reports, an R.V. parked suspiciously in the area and reported by a passer-by may have been the cause of the blast. There was extensive damage to buildings in the area, and four people were apparently taken to hospital, but no deaths or serious injuries have been reported. The 6:30 AM blast was heard several miles away. Residents living around this part of the city described being thrown from their beds.
While the explosion has now been described as “intentional,” the incident has not been described as an act of terrorism. Police are expected to hold a press briefing at 1 PM ET. Check back for updates.
