TRIPwire, 20 September 2017, 0700

On 18 September 2017 at approximately 1100 hours local time, Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) officers discovered an alleged bomb-making lab in the apartment of a local man in East Athens. While no finished explosive products were found on-scene, precursors and electrical components were discovered in the apartment. Police also discovered a metal pipe with both ends capped and 2-liter bottles with wires protruding. The suspect proclaimed interest in procuring pressure cookers, even though a pressure cooker with an unknown brown residue believed to be a precursor was also found in his apartment. Bomb disposal technicians from the University of Georgia (UGA) and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) supported the effort. The Georgia National Guard 4th Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) also provided assistance. No motive was determined, although police stated the man may suffer from “mental health issues.” The man was charged with criminal attempt to possess or manufacture an explosive device.