UPDATE: Here is how FBI Special Agent Identified Nashville Bomber now called a suicide bomber
FBI Releases Report on Nashville Bombing
NASHVILLE, TN—The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have concluded a significant portion of the investigation into the explosion that occurred on December 25, 2020, at approximately 6:30 a.m. Central Time, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
Following the explosion, the FBI worked closely with our law enforcement partners on a coordinated and comprehensive investigation. After recovering more than 3,000 pounds of evidence from the blast site, combing through more than 2,500 tips, and conducting more than 250 interviews, the investigative team has reached the following conclusions.
The investigation found that Anthony Quinn Warner of Antioch, Tennessee, acting alone, built and ultimately detonated the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. His actions were determined to not be related to terrorism.
The investigative team took diligent steps to determine the reason or reasons why Warner decided to construct and ultimately detonate his device in downtown Nashville on December 25, 2020. The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, based in Quantico, Virginia, further assisted the local investigative team in answering this question.
Based on analysis of the information and evidence gathered throughout the investigation, the FBI assesses Warner’s detonation of the improvised explosive device was an intentional act in an effort to end his own life, driven in part by a totality of life stressors – including paranoia, long-held individualized beliefs adopted from several eccentric conspiracy theories, and the loss of stabilizing anchors and deteriorating interpersonal relationships.
The FBI assesses Warner specifically chose the location and timing of the bombing so that it would be impactful, while still minimizing the likelihood of causing undue injury. The FBI’s analysis did not reveal indications of a broader ideological motive to use violence to bring about social or political change, nor does it reveal indications of a specific personal grievance focused on individuals or entities in and around the location of the explosion.
It is important to note that only Warner knows the real reason why he detonated his explosive device. However, at this time, the FBI is confident, based on evidence collected, Warner’s own writings, and interviews with those who knew him best, that the above assessment is accurate.
Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office stated, “The FBI would like to thank the citizens and private sector partners of Nashville, Tennessee, for their support during the response and investigation, especially those who provided tips and volunteered their time and resources. Additionally, the collaborative efforts of all local, state and federal agencies who responded to this incident, and the hundreds of hours dedicated by their men and women, were truly invaluable to this unified effort. They exemplified the tireless dedication we’ve come to expect from those who respond to these types of critical incidents.”
FBI Memphis Special Agent in Charge Announces Identity of Remains Discovered in Nashville Explosion Site; Multi-Agency Investigation Continues
Special Agent in Charge Doug Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office today released the results of forensic tests of human remains recovered from the blast site on 2nd Avenue. DNA examinations of tissue samples by both the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, were consistent to those of Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, of Antioch, Tennessee.
A key break in the investigation occurred when the Tennessee Highway Patrol was able to locate and recover the VIN (vehicle identification number) from the suspect’s van. That information, along with crucial tips from the public, led to the home of the suspect in Antioch.
FBI and ATF agents are continuing to recover and analyze evidence. The motive for the incident is still unclear. Leads are still being followed, but at this time, there is no indication that any other individuals are involved.
ATF’s unique resources from the National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) and the United States Bomb Data were instrumental in providing links to this investigation. Leveraging technology with traditional law enforcement techniques clearly was beneficial in this case.
The ATF’s National Response Team along with the FBI’s Evidence Response Team continue to work seamlessly in the processing of this crime scene. Additionally, the TBI, the Metro Nashville Police Department, and our federal, state, and local partners will continue to work to ensure the safety of Nashvillians.
BACKGROUND: UPDATE: Here is how FBI Special Agent Identified Dean Nashville Bomber
Five officers who saved lives minutes before Friday’s explosion: Officer James Wells is joined (l-r) by Officers Amanda Topping, Michael Sipos, Tyler Luellen & Brenna Hosey.
BREAKING: Law enforcement is now announcing that Anthony Warner, 63, of Bakertown Rd, is the man believed responsible for Friday’s explosion. He perished in the blast. No one else is presently believed to have been involved. Thank you to our federal & state partners.
Nashville Metro Police identify the RV involved in the explosion on Christmas morning. Multiple law enforcement agencies were investigation a house with a person of interest who is believed to reside there but is not a suspect. Reports are that remains have been found at the scene and the MNPD will update.
Officer Wells says he was walking towards the RV when “God told me to turn around”. “Watch the video and you’ll see the moment of clarity when God told me to turn around… three seconds later, ‘boom’”. “Good to see you has a whole different meaning now. Steve Layman at NC5
FBI Update: On December 25, 2020, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Central Time, a large explosion occurred on 2nd Ave N near a downtown Nashville, Tennessee business. The explosion has been linked to a recreational vehicle (RV).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Metro Nashville Police Department; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are currently looking for information concerning the operator or owner of this RV, which arrived in the area at approximately 1:22 a.m. Central Time. In particular, individuals are being sought who were in the area of downtown Nashville around 1:00 a.m. Central Time.
If you have any images, videos, or other information you may have related to the explosion in downtown Nashville, please visit fbi.gov/nashville. If you do not have an attachment but have information to provide, please submit it at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
7:15 AM: An explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6:30 this morning outside 166 2nd Ave N downtown. Investigation active by MNPD & federal partners.
MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues.
With a crime rate of 54 per one thousand residents, Nashville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 19,
Homicides are up over 30% with many being unsolved, Assaults are up by nearly one fifth according to police statistics.
Metro Nashville Police, as are other police departments are trying to fight the rising crime, add protections despite financial shortfalls.
Metro Nashville is beginning full deployment of body-worn cameras.
As part of its response to the revenue shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Motorola, previously WatchGuard. Inc., the vendor selected by the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) in August 2019 to provide the department with in-car and body-worn cameras (BWCs), has agreed to delay payment for Nashville’s camera system for two years. That decision, along with creative problem-solving from local stakeholders, has allowed Metro to resume movement toward the full deployment of BWCs and in-car cameras.
“Body-worn cameras will promote trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they are sworn to serve,” said Mayor Cooper. “They will be an important tool in addressing racial injustice throughout Davidson County. Since campaigning for office, I have supported body-worn cameras in Nashville and the need to invest in this vital technology the right way. We are delivering on that commitment today, and we are doing it in a cost responsible way.”