Suspect in Austin bombings blows himself up as police move in

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A suspect linked to a series of parcel bombings in Austin, Texas, blew himself up inside his vehicle north of the city as authorities closed in to arrest him early Wednesday, police officials said.

The 24-year-old is believed to be behind a three-week bombing campaign, including six bombs around Austin, five of which exploded, according to the Austin Police Chief Brian Manley.

The suspect was identified as Mark Anthony Conditt, the Associated Press reported citing law enforcement officials.

Law enforcement personnel investigate an incident that they said involved an incendiary device in the 9800 block of Brodie Lane in Austin, Texas, US, March 20, 2018. /Reuters Photo‍

Two people were killed and half a dozen more wounded in the bombings.

The police said what motivated the bombing campaign or whether the suspect had help was not yet known.

President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of the bombing suspect and congratulated police, saying, “Great job by law enforcement and all concerned!”

Screenshot of Twitter

The series of bombings began on March 2.

The first three devices were parcel bombs dropped off in front of homes around Austin neighborhoods. A fourth went off on Sunday night, apparently detonated with a trip wire, and one exploded inside a FedEx Corp. facility on Tuesday.

The police didn’t rule out the possibility of there being other bombs out there somewhere, warning the local media to remember that this investigation is continuing.

“We still need people to be vigilant,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler early on Wednesday. “We don’t know where the suspect has been the last 24 hours.”

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters