Salt Lake City, UT – Two men have been arrested in connection with an alarming incident involving an incendiary device placed under a news media vehicle in Salt Lake City. The device, which had been ignited but fortunately failed to explode, prompted a swift response from local and federal authorities on Friday.
The suspects, identified as Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir, 31, were taken into custody following an investigation that revealed serious risks to public safety in the area. Both men are currently held without bail and face multiple felony charges related to the incident.
A Foiled Attack on Media Safety
The incendiary device was strategically placed underneath a vehicle belonging to Fox 13, a prominent Salt Lake City news station, which was parked near an occupied building. According to affidavits filed in the 3rd District Court of Salt Lake County, the device had been lit but did not function as intended.
Jeffrey David Nelson, a Unified Fire Authority Investigations officer, stated in the affidavit,
“Due to the nature of the device and its placement, this incident constituted a significant threat to public safety,”
highlighting the potential for mass casualties had the device detonated successfully.
Law Enforcement Investigation and Arrest Details
The FBI, working alongside the Unified Fire Authority bomb squad, conducted an extensive investigation that led to the suspects’ residence on Salt Lake City’s outskirts. During the search, authorities discovered:
- Firearms illegal for the suspects to possess due to protective orders related to past illicit drug use
- Illegal narcotics
- Hoax devices designed to resemble weapons of mass destruction, which alarmed neighbors and led to evacuations
The suspects reportedly claimed the hoax devices were genuine, exacerbating public safety concerns. Both individuals remain in custody at the Salt Lake County Jail.
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Broader Context and Ongoing Investigation
This incident comes amid heightened media activity in the Salt Lake City area following the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot last week at Utah Valley University approximately 40 miles away. Authorities are still investigating that case, with charges expected soon against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
A representative from the Unified Fire Authority emphasized that details about the incendiary device case remain limited due to the ongoing investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.
For further details, see the original report by CBS News: Salt Lake City incendiary device incident.
Key Takeaways
- Two men arrested for placing an incendiary device under a Fox 13 news vehicle in Salt Lake City.
- Device was lit but failed to detonate, preventing potential harm.
- Suspects charged with attempted aggravated arson, threat of terrorism, and possession of weapons of mass destruction.
- Illegal firearms, narcotics, and hoax WMD devices found in suspects’ home.
- Incident underscores rising concerns about media safety and public security in the region.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about this alarming attack targeting a news vehicle in Salt Lake City? Have you ever witnessed threats against media outlets? Share your thoughts in the comments below!