VI: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX

On 20 October 2024, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, Hartshorne Police Department, and Hartshorne Fire Department responded to a residence north of Hartshorne following a reported explosion. Upon arrival, officers discovered a “very large homemade explosives laboratory,” which included “large amounts of bulk powders and precursors.” Narcotics were also discovered at the scene. ATF agents and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad were called to the scene and assisted with the processing and disposal of the materials.

On 14 October 2024, at approximately 1223 hours local time, Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) officers conducted a traffic stop near Southwest 21st Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City and found a duffel bag in the vehicle that contained a suspected pipe bomb described as a PVC pipe wrapped in brown paper with a green fuse. The OCPD Bomb Squad was called to assist. No additional details have been released. The driver and passenger were arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 28 August 2024, at approximately 1300 hours local time, a man unsuccessfully attempted to access the mayor’s office at Jeanerette City Hall in Jeanerette. The suspect then functioned a “delayed” improvised incendiary device (IID) outside of the building before fleeing the scene on a bicycle. The blaze from the IID caused minimal damage to the building, and no injuries were reported. The 41-year-old male suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and manufacture and possession of delayed action incendiary devices.

On 10 August 2024, New Mexico State Police officers, ATF agents, and El Paso Police Department officers conducted a raid at a residence on the 300 block of Prescott Anthony Drive in Chaparral. Authorities discovered unspecified bomb-making material (BMM), multiple firearms, and approximately 100,000 rounds of ammunition. The 72-year-old male resident was arrested and is facing federal charges related to the possession of a destructive device, among other charges. 

On 20 July 2024, a man entered a unisex bathroom at a car wash on Bandera Road in Helotes and emplaced pyrotechnics beneath a toilet seat, which functioned when a woman sat on the seat. On 26 July, two additional victims reported similar scenarios at a car wash in San Antonio, near Highway 281. All three victims sustained minor injuries. The San Antonio Police Department responded, and officers discovered the remains of small commercial pyrotechnics designed to function when pressure is applied.