In a span of 15 minutes, multiple businesses in Washington, D.C. were targeted and damaged by explosive devices early Sunday morning.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., an explosive device was detonated outside the ATM of Truist Bank in Northeast D.C., causing damage. Following the incident, the suspect quickly fled the scene.
Around six minutes later, an explosive device caused damage to the Nike store located in Northeast D.C.
At approximately 4:45 a.m., a suspect allegedly threw an object resembling a Molotov cocktail at the Safeway store in the 300 block of 40th Street, Northeast. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to both the police and online photos, all of the businesses experienced varying degrees of damage.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, it seems that the suspect specifically targeted commercial establishments, and there is no indication of any intention to harm members of the public.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported, “The establishments were closed at the time of the offenses.”
The motive behind the fiery attacks has not been disclosed by the police. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the blasts.
The Metropolitan Police Department, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, is currently conducting an investigation into these violent explosions.
According to data released in May, violent crime in the nation’s capital has seen a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. This increase includes a 15% rise in homicides.
Shortly after the incidents, the Metropolitan Police released surveillance images of the suspect, along with details of a vehicle sought in connection with the attacks. The suspect was described as wearing black trousers and a white or cream hooded top. The vehicle being sought is a gold or champagne-colored Acura TL with a Maryland license plate numbered 17971CK.
Sleeper cells. Black ops. Cabal intel:#BREAKING Explosions at several DC businesses. Suspect at large.
At approximately 4:30 am, the suspect detonated an explosive device on the sidewalk outside of the ATM at the Truist Bank located in the 2300 block of Washington Place,… pic.twitter.com/aBWClcMw00
— WayneTech SPFX®️ (@WayneTechSPFX) July 3, 2023
Authorities are urging individuals with any pertinent information to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099. They have also announced a reward of up to $20,000 for anyone who can provide leads that result in the arrest of the individuals involved.
