Christmas morning in downtown Nashville started with a bomb exploding inside an RV. Now, just one day later, the FBI is looking into 500 tips/leads.
Investigators are working tirelessly to conclude, but bomb technicians are finding the explosion to be quite the challenge, describing it as a “giant jigsaw puzzle created by a bomb.”
A person of interest has been identified, but FBI special agent Douglas Korneski refused to identify the suspect in a Saturday afternoon press conference.
Numerous sources cite near-by restaurant owner Betsy White, who said the RV, which had been parked outside since Thursday, did have warning signs.
“Evacuate now. There is a bomb. A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode,” she heard a voice say coming from the vehicle. The voice then started a 15-minute countdown, she recalled.
Police were called to the scene, but it was too late. The bomb went off around 6:30 a.m., White said. She watched the blast from afar.
Three people were injured during the explosion, and as of right now, no deaths have been reported. However, “Police also found what they believe are human remains but have not yet confirmed any fatalities,” USA Today wrote.
It is possible someone was inside the RV when the bomb went off.
USA Today also reported that 41 businesses and historical buildings were damaged in the explosion.
“This was a terrible day, but Nashville has faced other challenges, particularly this year,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper said late Friday. “We can rebuild and get back to normal. This morning’s attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope, but the spirit of our city cannot be broken.”
According to the New York Times, businesses and people with ties to Nashville are offering a reward for anyone who provides information to solve the case.
The FBI division in Memphis, who is now heading the investigation, is also asking members of the public to come forward with any information on the vehicle.
