VI: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX

On 5 July 2024, at approximately 0200 hours local time, a loud explosion was recorded outside of a home in a McAllen neighborhood. Doorbell camera footage captured what authorities believe was a pyrotechnic device functioning near a homeowner’s vehicle. Sparks from the explosion ignited a small fire on the house’s garage doorframe, which was quickly extinguished by the homeowner. McAllen Fire Department arson investigators responded to the scene to investigate the incident. No further device details have been released. The investigation is ongoing.

On 21 May 2024, Austin Police Department officers responded to a gas station in southeast Austin after a 35-year-old man brandished a firearm at employees. A SWAT team was deployed, and upon police attempts to lure the suspect away, he began pouring lighter fluid into a container with a rag to create an improvised incendiary device (IID) described as a Molotov cocktail. According to police, the potential for the device to be used to injure or kill employees prompted an officer to shoot the suspect, who later died at the hospital.

On 10 May 2024, at approximately 0700 hours local time, New Iberia Police Department (NIPD) officers responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Fontelieu Drive in New Iberia. A search of the crashed vehicle resulted in the discovery of narcotics and firearms and the arrest of the 38-year-old male driver. The discovery led NIPD officers to search a motel and two nearby homes in the 800 block of Fontelieu Drive. At one of the homes, officers discovered bomb-making material (BMM) and a suspected IED.

On 2 April 2024, at approximately 2130 hours local time, Chaves County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered a suspicious device while searching a home south of Roswell. Deputies called the New Mexico State Bomb Squad to assist with the device, which they determined was an IED described as a large propane tank with electrical wires protruding from it. The homeowner told authorities that he also had a hand grenade inside his home. The individual was arrested, and authorities continued searching the home. No further information was released.

On 17 March 2024, Bethany Police Department (BPD) officers and the Bethany Fire Department (BFD) responded to a home near Northwest 50th Street and North Rockwell Avenue for a report of a fire. The BFD extinguished the fire and reported that accelerants had been used, as well as identified bullet holes on the side of the house. Neighbors told responding officers that they had heard explosions and gunshots prior to the blaze.