“Intentional” Explosion Rips Through Portion of Downtown Nashville
This story has been updated.
A massive explosion tore through downtown Nashville and the entertainment district along 2nd street near lower Broadway on Christmas morning (12-25). Police are a calling the explosion an “intentional act” after responding to a suspicious recreational vehicle parked in the area, as well as shots fired.
Metro Nashville police responded to reports of the RV parked in front of an AT&T building right before 6:00 a.m., as well as reports of gunshots in the area Friday morning. The vehicle was reportedly broadcasting, “Evacuate now. There is a bomb. A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode,” and then started a 15-minute countdown. Nashville police called the department’s hazardous devices unit, who was en route to the scene when the explosion happened at about 6:30 a.m. near Commerce and 2nd Ave.
The RV had been parked in the area since late Thursday night. Witnesses said they first heard rapid gunshots at 4:30 in the morning, and called police, The Tennessean is reporting. The force of the explosion resulted in a “huge fireball” according to witnesses, severely damaged multiple buildings and businesses in the area, knocked one responding officer to the ground, and three other individuals were seriously injured and transported to the hospital.
Most businesses in the area were closed for the Christmas holiday, but multiple apartments and residencies in the area were also affected by the explosion, with residents being shaken out of bed by the blast that took out windows and caused other damage. The explosion could be heard miles away, and according to Nashville Mayor John Cooper, about 20 buildings received major damage in the event. At least 41 buildings have received some damage due to the explosion.
Photos and video from the area show the narrow 2nd Street corridor—which normally sees a high volume to pedestrian and tourist traffic—with scorched storefronts, burned trees, and blown out windows. The block running from Broadway to Commerce St. on 2nd Ave. is home to The George Jones Museum, The Wildhorse Saloon owned by Ryman Hospitality (The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium), BB King’s Blues Club, Coyote Ugly, Benchmark, Big Shotz, and Leon’s Candy store, among other businesses.
No word on the severity of damage at these businesses at this time, though many of the establishments are in historic brick buildings that appear to have withstood the explosion, while others had major damage. Many of the businesses in the area are temporarily closed or working with limited capacity due to COVID-19. The event also caused disruption in AT&T service in the area, as well as 911 service, and flights out of BNA Airport in Nashville were halted temporarily due to telecommunications issues.
The explosion is currently being investigated, with multiple federal agencies on scene aiding the local bomb squad. President Trump has been briefed about the explosion as well. Affected streets are being blocked off by police, and individuals are asked to avoid the area.
Update 12/26/2020 3:00 p.m. CST: A “person of interest” named Anthony Quinn Warner is being sought in connection with the blast after neighbors reported the Antioch, TN resident had an RV similar to the one used in the bombing parked on his property. Local and federal agencies conducted a search of his property on Saturday, but no arrests have been made. Authorities are also working to see if the remains found at the blast site are Mr. Warner.
READ: George Jones Museum, Wildhorse Saloon Give Update After Blast
More information when it becomes available.
Thass
December 25, 2020 @ 10:56 am
If this was intentional, which looks like it was, then this is an act of terrorism. Regardless of who did it,
Given that the police got the call about the vehicle, it’s likely that the explosion was premature and did nothing reach its intended target.
THass
December 25, 2020 @ 12:36 pm
*did not reach.
Morning beers, sorry.
Merry Christmas y’all, cherish the time with your loved ones
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 5:06 pm
Was not premature, the announcement that a bomb will explode before the event is not an act of terrorism that you, I and everyone else knows what terrorism is.
This is an act of desperation.
Something triggered this person to act because they warned those in the area to leave before the explosion.
Di Harris
December 26, 2020 @ 9:20 am
Absolutely an act of terrorism.
Possibly homegrown terrorist(s) ala OKC.
Not only terrorism, but a great example of cowardice.
Cool Lester Smooth
December 27, 2020 @ 8:43 pm
The IRA and UVF would send out warnings before their attacks.
They’re still fucking terrorists.
Big Pete
December 25, 2020 @ 11:31 am
Country music will survive no matter what happens, but the potential loss of heritage would be as horrible loss as the universal records fire. Not to mention all those injuried by the explosion.
Colter
December 25, 2020 @ 11:36 am
It was just reported there was a recording that played from the TV right before the explosion saying that it would explode.
618creekrat
December 25, 2020 @ 1:43 pm
Given the lengthy (and apparently loud) countdown, I wouldn’t be surprised if the “gunfire” was part of the recording. If any casualties were intended, I’d guess they were to be first responders.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 5:29 pm
Wrong, it was a warning for anyone in the area to leave.
Gunshot calls earlier were to get the police involved to evacuate the area before the explosion happened.
The news outlets are just full of themselves on causing panic.
Trigger
December 25, 2020 @ 1:56 pm
Folks, comments of a strongly divisive or political nature will not be allowed here. It’s Christmas, this is a tragedy, and it’s not appropriate.
Blackh4t
December 25, 2020 @ 2:55 pm
The articles are saying that no one was critically injured because the van gave 15 minutes warning.
Since it was parked outside Hooters, can we say its not the first time someone has gotten 15 minutes that saved their life in that place?
Must have been an English terrorist “excuse me, would it bother you terribly if I exploded in your streets?”
Sorry. This might age badly, but something about this is very strange. No disrespect intended. Merry Christmas and best wishes to all.
Cackalack
December 25, 2020 @ 4:33 pm
This kind of bombing was a trademark of the Provisional IRA during the Troubles. The goal was to maximize political impact (also infrastructure damage) while avoiding civilian casualties.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 5:11 pm
Check out the former CEO’s monthly retirement.
It has nothing to do with the IRA or those that believe in the IRA.
More likely those that do not agree with being laid off while the former CEO is living on $274,000.00 a month in retirement.
Cackalack
December 25, 2020 @ 6:29 pm
Talking solely about the tactics here.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 6:47 pm
Yes tactics are the same but the outcome is different.
Lone wolf with a bit of sympathy regarding lives of strangers.
mouths of babes
December 25, 2020 @ 7:01 pm
Have you offered your superior deductive abilities to the authorities, keypad warrior?
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 7:17 pm
Keypad warrior?
Have you searched on events in the area yourself?
If not then why are you even making such a stupid statement then.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 7:23 pm
Your reply leads one to think that you are all for what has taken place.
I gave folks a reason to think that this is a lone wolf attack yet you think there may be other actors involved.
What is your problem with what I have posted?
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 7:35 pm
Have you yourself even offered an alternative as to what may have happened?
Yet you are questioning my thoughts/opinion as to what may happened without even providing your reason as to what may have been the cause of a suicide bombing in Nashville?
Take about the stupidity of those questioning things?
Speak up now on why you think I am a keyboard warrior or forever shut your mouth.
I gave my own personal thoughts as to what happened. So what do you have to offer other then lip service?
Trigger
December 25, 2020 @ 7:41 pm
Folks,
This is a really tense situation. Speculation on what happened is normal and understandable, but let’s all try to be respectful to one another. Thanks!
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 5:25 pm
Hooters is up on the corner and not where the bombing happened, it was in front of the AT&T building half a block away.
Hooters was not the target of this bombing.
Dee Manning
December 25, 2020 @ 6:50 pm
Yup, the AT&T damage shut down the airport, disrupted 911 and phone service for a large region. I think that was the target.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 7:04 pm
Yet the airport for Nashville is miles away so what gives in that regard?
Dee Manning
December 25, 2020 @ 7:12 pm
Apparently the AT&T building damage disrupted communication, I am presuming air traffic control related. .
Michael Roy
December 25, 2020 @ 3:03 pm
Merry Christmas, Trigger.
Trigger
December 25, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
Merry Christmas Michael, and everyone else!
Couldn’t even get a day off today, but neither did a bunch of folks having to deal with this mayhem.
Luckyoldsun
December 25, 2020 @ 4:17 pm
That RV didn’t just materialize in that parking space. It’s so large and conspicuous that multiple people are going to report having seen it, and quite possibly, the driver, prior to the incident and there’s likely to be video footage of it being driven along various roads, highways, bridges and tunnels in the days leading up to the incident. Heck, I won’t be surprised if there’s a video of its license plate.
The 1993 New York World Trade Center truck bombing was solved because investigators were able to get a VIN number off some component of the exploded vehicle and they then traced that to a U-Haul rental facility in NJ.
I’m guessing the FBI will, at least, ID the vehicle pretty quickly. Hopefully, that will lead to the driver.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 5:34 pm
What are you smoking?
“It’s so large and conspicuous that multiple people are going to report having seen it”
It’s a tourist city, who will be reporting seeing this vehicle unless there was a minor traffic issue with said vehicle.
Street cameras will be the only evidence to come out regarding what happened.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
This is not just some random attack and this is just my own opinion.
RV does not have a front license plate, Tennessee is one of 19 states that do not require a front plate so more then likely a local employee acted alone.
AT&T has two buildings in Nashville, the larger structure a couple of blocks away as well as the one of which this RV parked in front of on 2nd Avenue.
Unlike the structure a couple of blocks away? The 2nd Avenue is marked with a hazard placard on the wall facing 2nd Avenue.
Not sure how to post an image of this on this site but for those that have Google Earth? Zoom in and do a street view.
You will see a blue 3, red 4, yellow 1 and a W lined out.
Here is an explanation of this symbol.
https://people.howstuffworks.com/question327.htm
Something inside this building of which maybe this person knew about?
Bomb yield in this vehicle was not effective to cause damage that this driver thought it would.
Laid off employee?
Former CEO getting $274,000.00 a month which was announced just a couple of months ago?
Family to feed, not being able to feed them?
Warning others in the area to leave before the bomb went off? Sympathetic to those that may be struggling?
Reported gun shots before hand that some idiots in the news are claiming to kill police? No, more likely to have police evacuate the area before setting off the explosives.
hoptowntiger94
December 26, 2020 @ 10:08 am
Your speculation is the most logical I’ve read.
Chris
December 26, 2020 @ 4:30 pm
Thanks for the description
I thought it was the Batman building
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 5:49 pm
This was a fired/layed off employee that happened during the Christmas season and said employee knew of the retiring CEO would be getting $274,000.00 a month is what triggered the event.
The glass highrise was just that, glass and possibly had employees inside.
Hit the tech building with hazmat materials inside?
Jake Cutter
December 25, 2020 @ 6:26 pm
Thanks for clarifying.
Jimmy
December 25, 2020 @ 7:34 pm
“This was a fired/[laid] off employee…”
Ok Columbo. Give it a rest. How many posts are you going to put on this thread? Enough. You know nothing, like everyone else speculating on the bomb. Let the real authorities do their job and go back to your Christmas cheer.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 9:23 pm
Okay you’ve got a pass regarding calling me Columbo and as such because of the moderators I can not comment.
BayCity Country
December 25, 2020 @ 6:28 pm
From Melbourne Australia, Nashville is like my 2nd home. For whatever reason, this act appears so senseless and cruel. Thoughts and best wishes to all.
Brett Dale
December 25, 2020 @ 7:23 pm
Thoughts with good people of the USA. As we say in New Zealand. KIA KAHA (Stay strong)
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 7:42 pm
Sane people in this country are always strong as well as aware of what is happening.
Outside of what has happened in Nashville?
It will get ugly before it gets better.
William Haugh
December 25, 2020 @ 8:53 pm
Comments are being deleted as fast as I can type.
It’s not me that doesnt want to respond.
Trigger
December 25, 2020 @ 8:56 pm
William,
I have asked nicely for folks to be respectful of this comments section and each other when it comes to this subject matter. Trust me, you’re not the only one whose comments are being moderated.
Di Harris
December 26, 2020 @ 11:16 am
aka, William Haugh.
Sounds like you have a very vested interest in this story.
Inside information.
Not unlike the arsonist who torches a structure, and stands across the street to watch the action, during the aftermath
Trigger
December 26, 2020 @ 11:26 am
I have had numerous folks reach out to me about this. William has commented on this site numerous times before. I don’t believe he’s a terrorist, though I have asked him and others to please refrain from wild speculation and polarizing rhetoric for this specific story. This is a very tense situation, and we should all wait for the investigation to unfold before rushing to blame.
Di Harris
December 26, 2020 @ 11:51 am
Not blaming anyone.
Sincerely hope you & your family had a relaxing Christmas.
One of the most beautiful Christmas Eve & Christmas’ i can remember
ledouxfan
December 26, 2020 @ 12:12 pm
When I think of what a terrorist is, for me it’s just as simple as someone who causes terror or someone to be afraid. Those people who felt the bomb or were injured I’m going to guess are very afraid now. I know i would be. It doesn’t mean I think the person is working for a foreign or home grown terrorist group.
Liz Hamblyn
December 25, 2020 @ 10:56 pm
Nice to have a fellow Kiwi following SCM.
Vanillasludge
December 26, 2020 @ 8:39 am
We are now in the stage where the media shows images that would make you think the whole city was decimated. It’s part of a block folks.
This happened where I live when we had riots. You would think our entire town was burned down, but it was 6-7 crummy old buildings in the worst part of town.
ledouxfan
December 26, 2020 @ 12:00 pm
Okay, everyone!! Let’s dust ourselves off and “Cowboy Up!” It’s time to show this crazy person and everyone else that, “Country Folk Can Survive” and come back stronger!
Heyday
December 26, 2020 @ 12:04 pm
Not sure I buy the disgruntled-former-employee-angry-over-retired-CEO’s-pension theory, although anything is possible. AT&T’s former CEO, Randall Stephenson, got a $64 million retirement deal (it isn’t actually $274,000 per month) but it was announced in May. Seven months to let things stew? I’m not seeing it.
If AT&T was the intended target (a reasonable guess) there are other reasons the perpetrator(s) may have struck there and then. For example, AT&T is the parent company of CNN, and we’ve had a president and right-wing voices who have spent the past four years calling CNN and other media the “enemy of the people.” Maybe it’s just a home-grown right-wing extremist who trained in the woods of Tennessee and decided to strike close to home. To me, this makes more sense than a disgruntled former employee being responsible because “disgruntled former employees” are going to be among the first FBI interviews. (Of course if the disgruntled former employee blows himself up with the RV, he can’t be interviewed — and unless he left a manifesto somewhere, we have no way of knowing why he acted.)
That said, the investigation is still in the early stages and I’ll be among those waiting to see what transpires. After the past couple of years, I won’t be surprised by anything, frankly.
Don Campbell
December 26, 2020 @ 9:20 pm
So let’s not point fingers except at Trump and Right Wing Conservatives . Left wing Democrats spent 8 months destroying our cities but let’s blame the right ! Well done !
Heyday
December 27, 2020 @ 1:50 am
Thank you. I was merely taking note that many (if not most) of the charges for arson and destruction in Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd’s death were against outside agitators, self-identified white nationalists and the like. I offered no theory, just a plausible scenario based on the very few facts that have emerged.
As more facts emerge, I’ll either refine or reject the scenario.
AdamAmericana
December 27, 2020 @ 6:38 am
Don’s comment did not age well.
Jaimito
December 26, 2020 @ 1:22 pm
Live/work in Nashville, and was at work (~3 miles from downtown) when this occurred. I heard the sound and felt my building shudder slightly, but assumed it was the remnants of the overnight weather event. It wasn’t until news reports started coming in that I realized what had happened. I was leaving town later in the morning, and they had all of the main roads through town blocked off. Thanks, Trigger, for keeping on top of this. I honestly feel like you’ve shed more light on this than some of the local bews outlets.
Steven
December 28, 2020 @ 4:08 pm
@Heyday
It doesn’t look like you’re very interested in facts if you’re also blaming white nationalists for the destruction and violence this past year. When Kyle Rittenhouse shot three of these losers in Kenosha one of them turned out to be a domestic abuser and another one a convicted pedophile. The murders of patriots in Portland and Denver. All done by certified lefties. Portland and Seattle are full of these freaks, you really think they need outside agitators?
There’s hours and hours of riot footage online, watch it yourself instead of letting CNN or whatever propaganda outlet telling you what the truth is.