Second Pipe Bomb Attack on San Diego in 9 Days

On Sunday, May 4^th the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in San Diego suffered a pipe bomb explosion just before 2:00 AM. There are no reports of injuries, and the actual damage to the building is largely contained to the entrance way and a portion of the lobby.

As reported by Angelica Martinez of the San Diego Union Tribune, the FBI is still baffled as to who placed the detonating devices and why. Thus far, no group or individual has come forward claiming responsibility, as is so often the case during terror strikes.

In the same vein, there was no advanced warning of the impending explosion. It is fortunate that the explosion occurred on an early Sunday morning, when the court had no business and when foot traffic in the area was minimal.

Yet San Diego residents will remember that just a few short days ago another pipe bomb exploded in their fair city. On Friday, April 25^th just before 2:00 AM, a bomb severely damaged the entrance area of a Federal Express owned building. Channel 10 KGTV reported that no arrests had been made in that case, either.

At the time, MSNBC quoted on-scene investigators as having a first impression that the detonation was possibly a juvenile prank, but there was no proof and no suspects were identified. In light of the courthouse detonation which took place at a similar time of day, it is questionable if this theory holds water.

The possibility that a juvenile prankster may have placed the bombs for detonation is reasonable, considering the Thursday, April 24^th news coverage from California's Central Valley News Station KSEE 24 which reported on an incident in Hanford. When a pipe bomb exploded at the local high school campus, authorities did not suspect domestic terrorists but instead fingered students of the school. It has not been revealed what led the authorities to make the connection and whether or not it was found to be correct.

Anyone who might have information about the San Diego pipe bomb explosions is urged to call the FBI at (858) 565-1255.

Credit: Kevin Connors

Copyright: Morguefile.com/Kevin Connors