Nashville Bombing Suspect Died in the Blast

Authorities identify remains of Anthony Quinn Warner
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 27, 2020 4:21 PM CST
Updated Dec 28, 2020 12:01 AM CST
Nashville Bombing Suspect Died in the Blast
Investigators continue to examine the site of an explosion Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in downtown Nashville, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

The man believed to be responsible for the Christmas Day bombing that tore through downtown Nashville blew himself up in the explosion, and appears to have acted alone, federal officials said Sunday. Investigators used DNA and other evidence to link the man, identified as Anthony Quinn Warner, to the mysterious explosion but said they have not determined a motive, per the AP. Officials have received hundreds of tips and leads, but have concluded that no one other than Warner is believed to have been involved in the early morning explosion that damaged dozens of buildings and injured three people. “Nashville is considered safe," said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. "There are no known threats against this city.”

In publicly identifying the suspect and his fate, officials disclosed a major breakthrough in their investigation even as they acknowledged the lingering mystery behind the explosion, which took place on a holiday morning well before downtown streets were bustling with activity and was accompanied by a recorded announcement warning anyone nearby that a bomb would soon detonate. Then, for reasons that may never be known, the audio switched to a recording of Petula Clark’s 1964 hit “Downtown” shortly before the blast. Investigators have not uncovered a singular motive for the act, nor was it revealed why Warner had selected the particular location for the bombing, which damaged an AT&T building and has continued to wreak havoc on cellphone service in several states. (By one account, a conspiracy theory is linked to the bombing.)

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