Additional Coverage:
- Utah police arrest two men on terrorism charges after device discovered under news van (themirror.com)
Two Arrested in Salt Lake City After Incendiary Device Found Under News Vehicle
Salt Lake City, UT – Two men are in custody after an explosive device was found under a news media vehicle in Salt Lake City on Friday. The device, which authorities say had been ignited but failed to detonate, was discovered under a vehicle parked near an occupied building. Police and fire department bomb squads responded to the scene.
Following an investigation, the FBI identified two suspects and executed a search warrant at a Magna residence. During the search, which prompted the evacuation of nearby homes, authorities discovered explosives and related components, firearms, illegal drugs, and paraphernalia.
They also found at least two devices identified as fake weapons of mass destruction. Two men, ages 58 and 31, were arrested and may face charges related to weapons possession and making terrorist threats.
The motive for the incident remains unclear, and the relationship between the two suspects is unknown. This incident follows the assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk in Utah last week, which has drawn numerous media outlets to Salt Lake City.
Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Tyler James Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection with the killing and is expected to be formally charged early next week.
Authorities are still investigating Robinson’s motive. While some have attempted to assign blame for Kirk’s death along partisan lines, experts on political violence suggest that such acts are often driven by complex motivations that don’t neatly align with traditional political divisions.
They emphasize the role of a heightened political climate in potentially triggering unstable individuals to commit violence. Tributes to Kirk have been held across the country, including a vigil at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and a memorial service at Dream City Church in Phoenix.