SALT LAKE CITY – Two men were arrested after an explosive device was found under a news media vehicle in Salt Lake City Friday, police said.
Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir, 31, were both arrested for the offenses of manufacturing or possessing a weapon of mass destruction, threat of terrorism, attempted aggravated arson, and possessing or removing incendiary items and their parts, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
On Friday, police documents indicate that the Salt Lake City Police Department Bomb Squad, along with the Unified Fire Authority Arson/Bomb Squad, responded to a suspicious device in Salt Lake City. It was reportedly determined to be a real explosive device that was placed under a news media vehicle that was parked near an occupied building.
Police said the device “constituted a significant threat to public safety.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reportedly took primary jurisdiction of the investigation and discovered two suspects located in Magna, Utah.
On Saturday, the FBI served a federal search warrant at the suspect’s residence. Both bomb squads from the original scene were requested at the residence by the FBI.
Police said both suspects were found inside the residence, as well as “two hoax weapons of mass destruction,” two firearms and illegal narcotics.
“While being questioned about the devices, both suspects stated that the devices were real,” police documents stated. “This caused all law enforcement personnel executing the warrant to evacuate the residence and initiate disposal procedures.”
Police said nearby residences were also evacuated.
The FBI reportedly seized evidence related to the explosive devices from the scene in Salt Lake City and discovered additional contraband and evidence of other crimes. Police documents said this included firearms, explosives and related components, illegal narcotics, and electronic devices believed to contain evidence of the crimes.
Adeeb Nasir is a restricted person, not permitted to possess firearms, police said. Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir is reportedly also a restricted person.
Police requested the suspects be held without bail to prevent further threats to the public and ensure they are not able to flee.
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