[Vision2020] FBI: Backpack on Spokane Parade Route Was a Bomb

[Art Deco]

Thank you for the vigilance SPD and others.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Hansen 
  To: Moscow Vision 2020 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 6:19 PM
  Subject: [Vision2020] FBI: Backpack on Spokane Parade Route Was a Bomb


  Courtesy of the Spokesman-Review.

  ---------------------------------------------------------

  FBI says backpack on Spokane parade route was a bomb
  Thomas Clouse, The Spokesman-Review

  The abandoned backpack found Monday along the route of Spokane's annual
  Martin Luther King Jr. march contained a bomb capable of inflicting
  "multiple casualties," the FBI has confirmed.

  The Federal Bureau of Investigation's terrorism task force is offering a
  $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of
  those responsible for planting the bomb. The FBI on Tuesday issued a
  bulletin asking for the public's assistance.

  Frank Harrill, special agent in the charge of the Spokane FBI office,
  would not discuss what specifically made the bomb so dangerous but said
  the investigation has become a top priority.

  "It definitely was, by all early analysis, a viable device that was very
  lethal and had the potential to inflict multiple casualties," Harrill
  said. "Clearly, the timing and placement of a device _ secreted in a
  backpack _ with the Martin Luther King parade is not coincidental. We are
  doing everything humanly possible to identify the individuals or
  individual who constructed and placed this device."

  Ivan Bush, who has helped organize the celebration march in Spokane for
  more than 20 years said news of the backpack's potential was "just painful
  to see and hear."

  "Man, that's a sad testament," said Bush, who works in human resources for
  Spokane Public Schools. "Here we are in the 21st century and these types
  of things are still happening. It just hurts."

  The purpose of the march was to bring residents together to celebrate a
  man who championed passive resistance, he said.

  "This community came together to get a street dedicated to Dr. King and
  thousands come out to celebrate him every year," Bush said. "When
  something like this takes place, it's just painful."

  The bomb was discovered in a Swiss Army-brand backpack that was placed on
  a park bench at 9:25 a.m. at the northeast corner of North Washington
  Street and West Main Avenue.

  Two T-shirts were located in the bag. One reads "Stevens County Relay For
  Life June 25th-26th 2010" and another shirt reads "Treasure Island Spring
  2009." The FBI is working with other federal agencies and virtually all
  local police agencies with the investigation as part of the Northwest
  Joint Terrorism Task Force.

  "I think the link to the Martin Luther King celebration and march is
  inescapable," Harrill said. "At that point, it falls directly in the realm
  and sphere of domestic terrorism. Clearly, there was some political or
  social agenda here."

  Harrill said agents have conducted interviews, but said he could not
  discuss any potential suspects.

  Meanwhile, federal investigators continue to investigate an explosive
  device that was discovered March 23 alongside the Thomas S. Foley U.S.
  Courthouse. Harrill said agents have not made an arrest in that previous
  case.

  "We don't know, at this point, of any linkage to any other incident,"
  Harrill said, referring to the Monday discovery. "We are not aware of any
  other events that prefaced this event . or threats associated with this
  device. Nor does it appear to be linked to any other incidents in Spokane
  or anywhere else in the country. But, that certainly is a focus for us."

  Harrill praised the residents who discovered the backpack.

  "The individuals who found this backpack, they were the heroes of the day.
  They did what we all should do. They brought it to the attention of
  police," Harrill said. "They took quick action, rerouted the parade and
  immediately called for the" bomb disposal unit.

  ----------------------

  The FBI is seeking information connected to the identity of the person or
  persons seen with this Swiss Army-brand backpack. The t-shirts were
  contained in the backpack. The backpack was found on a bench at the corner
  of North Washington Street and West Main Avenue in Spokane, Wash. on
  Monday, Jan. 17, 2011.

  http://media.spokesman.com/photos/2011/01/18/SRX_BOMB_THREAT_t620.jpg

  ---------------------------------------------------------

  Seeya round town, Moscow.

  Tom Hansen
  Moscow, Idaho

  "The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
  and the Realist adjusts his sails."

  - Unknown


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