By EMILY SHAPIRO, AARON KATERKSY, ABC NewsA parked recreational vehicle exploded in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, on Christmas morning, in what Nashville police believe was an “intentional act.”Nashville police officers were at first called to a report of shots fired. There was no evidence of shots fired but police noticed a suspicious RV with no tags parked across from the Davidson County courthouse.
Police say the RV was playing a recording saying that a bomb would go off within 15 minutes.The bomb squad was called and the area was evacuated. Around 6:30 a.m., as the bomb squad responded, the RV exploded, blowing out the windows of nearby buildings and leaving extensive damage.
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. pic.twitter.com/YOfMTaKmTH
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
The explosion knocked one officer to the ground. Another officer sustained temporary hearing loss.
Three people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. No significant injuries have been reported.The debris field extends for at least a few blocks. Streets around the exploded vehicle are being closed down.
These are pictures from 2nd Avenue south. Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway. Please AVOID this area! Media staging is at 2nd Avenue south and KVB. pic.twitter.com/tocdpHWFgj
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
Police have been sweeping the area with a K9 unit out of precaution, but Nashville Police Chief John Drake said there is no concern, and that “we know of no other imminent danger to the city at this point.”
President Donald Trump and acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen have been briefed on the incident.
The FBI is now the lead investigative agency.Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are responding.This story is developing. Please check back for more updates.Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Nashville police officers were at first called to a report of shots fired. There was no evidence of shots fired but police noticed a suspicious RV with no tags parked across from the Davidson County courthouse.
The bomb squad was called and around 6:30 a.m., as the bomb squad responded, the RV exploded, blowing out the windows of nearby buildings and leaving extensive damage.
