“…meant to send a message…”
On Sunday, another package in Austin, Texas, exploded and police suspect it was detonated by a tripwire.
The incident marks the fourth explosive disguised as a package to be detonated in the city in the past few weeks. CNN reported the package was left on the side of the road and two men, who were either biking or pushing bicycles, were injured when it exploded.
Fortunately, both men were treated for the non-life threatening, yet serious, injuries and are listed in good condition. Local residents were advised to remain indoors until 11:00 a.m. [ET] Monday morning and police believe all four incidents to be related.
However, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley explained that this most recent explosion has different characteristics from the others, including its location and how it was set off.
Unlike the other packages, which were left on doorsteps, this was left on the side of the road, waiting for someone to come near it.
“What we do understand now, is that the possibility exists this device was triggered in a different mechanism — that being a tripwire,” he said.
On Monday, Manley called for residents to display an “extra level of vigilance” in paying attention to any object that “looks out of place.”
CNBC reported the police chief made a plea to the perpetrator of the attacks only hours before Sunday’s explosion. During a press conference, he shared officials believe the explosions were “meant to send a message” and urged whoever is behind them to come forward.
“We hope this person or persons is watching and will reach out to us before anyone else is injured or anyone else is killed out of this event,” he said.
Manley previously stated he wouldn’t rule out the thought of the explosions being a hate crime because when a motive is ruled out it “limits” the focus.
On Monday, he told ABC News the recent explosion does “change the concerns” he initially had but reiterated he’s still considering all motives.
