IMPD conducts security sweeps after NY bombing
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Authorities conducted a series of security sweeps in Indianapolis Sunday following this weekend’s bombing in New York that injured 29 people.
Commander Ted Fries with IMPD’s Homeland Security Division would not say where those security sweeps took place but said that no devices were found and that there is no known threat to the Indianapolis area. The sweeps, he said, should be viewed as proactive measure in wake of the terrorist attacks in New York and the suspicious devices found in New Jersey.
“Our activities were meant to keep the greatest number of people safe as we could and those areas that were most likely the greatest threat based on what happened nationally,” Commander Fries said.
Commander Ted Fries says IMPD has been in contact with federal and state authorities.
Fries said that authorities have relied on data gathering and intelligence, including the use of surveillance cameras to determine whether threats exists.
When asked directly what happens when there is no intelligence – when a lone actor creates a chaotic event with little to no warning to authorities?
Responding directly to that question, Fries said: “It’s hard to prevent something of that nature when you are dealing with a sole offender.”
Still, Fries urged Indianapolis residents to remain vigilant and if they see something suspicious, please alert authorities.
Authorities announced the arrest of Ahmad Khan Rahami Monday morning following a shootout with local police in Linden, New Jersey. Multiple news agencies initially reported that the explosive device used in the bombing in New York Saturday evening contained traces of the explosive Tannerite.
“It’s a binary explosive, it’s legal to go purchase without showing ID. It’s dangerous stuff,” said Lt. Ron Humbert with IMPD’s bomb squad.
CNN reported Monday afternoon that the device in New York contained the explosive HMTD.
Lt. Ron Humbert with IMPD’s bomb squad, said that when events happen like what occurred in New York this weekend, the agency’s calls to respond historically have increased. Humbert said that so far this year the bomb squad has been called out 75 times for incidents and conducted more than 600 smaller operations – like the searches this weekend.
“Things like what happened over the weekend, all it does is make the requests for us more frequent,” Humbert said.
