Explosives set off outside Washington DC businesses in early-morning attacks
Several businesses in Washington DC have been targeted in a series of explosive attacks early this morning.
A number of devices, including a Molotov cocktail, were set off outside premises around the US capital between 4.30am and 4.45am.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said they were seeking more than one suspect, along with a vehicle believed to have been used to flee each of the three scenes.
In all three cases, the force said only commercial properties were targeted and it did not believe there was an intention to harm members of the public.
The first explosive was detonated beside an ATM at the Truist Bank at 4.30am, causing damage to the area.
The second was set off at the entrance of the Nike Store, barely a mile from the US Capitol building, at around 4.36am.
Finally, at around 4.45am, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a Safeway supermarket, again causing damage.
None of the three premises that were targeted were open at the time of the attacks, and no injuries have been reported.
The MPD said it was offering a $10,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the crimes.
That reward was doubled by a contribution from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, bringing the total amount to $20,000.
A statement from the MPD said: ‘Anyone who may have any information about these incidents, to include video or photos from any of the offense location are encouraged to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s Text Tip Line at 50411.’
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