Austin Bombing Suspect Killed Himself As Police Closed In

The suspect in a string of bombings in Austin, Texas, is dead, according to authorities. The 24-year-old white man detonated a bomb in his car as police closed in on him, The Statesman reports. Although police are still investigating the possibility of accomplices, Austin police chief Brian Manley said: “We believe this individual is responsible for all of the incidents in Austin.” However, he urged the community to remain vigilant for other explosives, because it is possible the suspect left some bombs behind. Police have not yet identified a motive for the bombings. Authorities were able to track down the suspect’s vehicle to a Round Rock-area hotel. SWAT approached, and that is when the suspect set off a bomb in his car. Four bombs had exploded in Austin since March 2. Two people were killed and four were injured in the bombings. A fifth bomb exploded early Tuesday at a FedEx sorting facility in Schertz, about 60 miles southwest of Austin, and a package containing what was believed to be an unexploded bomb was found Tuesday at a FedEx distribution center in Austin. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted, “BIG NEWS. The Austin Bomber is dead,” before adding that “more work needs to be done to ensure no more bombs had been sent before he died.”

BIG NEWS. The Austin Bomber is dead. More work needs to be done to ensure no more bombs had been sent before he died. The investigation continues to learn more information. Congratulations to the combined law enforcement effort. #AustinBombings #txlege https://t.co/ccCT6EMHx2

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 21, 2018