Who was Anthony Quinn Warner? 63-year-old Nashville man identified as suicide bomber in Christmas day explosion
Update: The FBI has confirmed that Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, is responsible for the Nashville Christmas Day bombing, saying he died in an apparent suicide attack when an RV exploded outside of an AT&T building.
Original story
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is combing through the home of a 63-year-old Nashville resident in connection with the Nashville bombing on Christmas Day. According to investigators, Anthony Quinn Warner allegedly has some connection with the bombing.
The investigation took place at his house situated in the 100 block of Bakertown Road in Antioch, according to NBC. A Google Street View obtained an image of a house with an RV parked at the backyard of Warner's home which identically matches the description of the RV Nashville Police said was used in the bombing.
Although the FBI has refused to confirm the reports to date, the department has said that they are “not looking for another subject” in connection with the bombing. The Department, however, confirmed that there is currently no indication of further explosive threats.
The explosion, which police termed as an "intentional act", left at least three people injured and destroyed 41 buildings and businesses nearby, Tennessee Governor, Bill Lee said in a statement. One tissue, which was found at the explosion site is also under investigation, and authorities will be examining it to trace human remains, as stated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake.
An AT&T building was also damaged after the blast, resulting in disruption of 911 emergency services and temporarily grounding planes at Nashville International Airport. Meanwhile, AT&T said that it had established two temporary cell towers downtown to provide service and that other portable sites were being set up.
Deputies landed at the crime scene before the explosion on Friday, December 25, after someone reported gunfire at around 5.30 am, and found a recreational vehicle, an RV, parked in front of the AT&T building, according to police. According to a report by NBC, the speaker system on the RV was announcing a warning about an imminent explosion and telling people to evacuate in what sounded like a recorded female voice.
"They heard the announcements coming from this vehicle, took them seriously and were working to seal the streets to protect folks," said Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron. "We think lives were saved by those officers doing just that."
On Saturday, December 26, Governor Bill Lee announced that he has requested an emergency declaration from President Donald Trump. “The severity and magnitude of the current situation is such that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments,” Lee wrote in a statement.
In a series of tweets, the Governor wrote, "This morning I toured the site of the bombing. The damage is shocking and it is a miracle that no residents were killed. @MariaLeeTN and I continue to pray for those who sustained injuries from the blast." Sharing a set of documents he further said, "I have requested an emergency declaration from @POTUS to support ongoing efforts and relief."
This morning I toured the site of the bombing. The damage is shocking and it is a miracle that no residents were killed. @MariaLeeTN and I continue to pray for those who sustained injuries from the blast.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 26, 2020
I have requested an emergency declaration from @POTUS to support ongoing efforts and relief. pic.twitter.com/7vwrvN1FBw
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 26, 2020
On Friday, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp President and CEO Butch Spyridon stated that the organization is offering $10,000 toward a reward, but the amount has since been boosted to $34,500. Fox Sports anchor, Clay Travis, also offered $10,000 to anyone who could provide information leading to the arrest of the suspect.