Explosives and Molotovcocktail rock three DC businesses 15 minutes apart -- suspect still on the r

Publish date: 2024-08-24

Explosive devices and a Molotov cocktail were used to attack three Washington, DC, businesses early Sunday — including an establishment just a few blocks from the US Supreme Court and Capitol buildings.

The attacks happened just 15 minutes apart at a Truist Bank, Nike shop and Safeway grocery store, with the sports-apparel business located only blocks from the government buildings.  

The suspsect is still in the wind.

Metro police said the first explosion occurred around 4:30 a.m. when a device was detonated on the sidewalk by the ATM at the Truist bank in the 2300 block of Washington Place.

Six minutes later, another explosive device was set off in front of the Nike store on nearby H Street, police added.

By 4:45 a.m., the suspect showed up to the Safeway store on 40th Street, hurling a Molotov cocktail-style object through a window, police said.

No one was at the businesses during the early morning hours, and officials said there were no injuries.

Metro police noted that the suspect was likely aiming to harm the businesses themselves rather than targeting people.

Officials have yet to release any more information about the suspect or a possible motive.

The Truist bank in the 2300 block of Washington Place in DC suffered serious damage Sunday morning when an explosion was set off. Amanda Koski/Twitter
Six minutes later, another explosive was detonated outside a nearby Nike store, damaging its entrance. Instagram
Minutes later, a Molotov cocktail-style weapon was thrown through the window of a Safeway store. Deanna Washington/ WUSA9

Representatives for Safeway, Nike and Truist did not respond to Post requests for comment.

The case is being investigated by the Metro police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

DC police are offering up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction.  

The ATF has also agreed to offer a matching reward, bringing the total for a solid tip up to $20,000. 

Anyone with tips on  the incident, including video or photos of the three locations that were hit, have been encouraged to contact Metro Police or text their tip line at 50411. 

Chucking Molotovs isn’t exactly novel in Washington. Last year, a man was arrested for tossing two Molotov cocktails at Capitol Police near Union Station. 

On Thursday, a man with a Jan. 6 riot warrant out on him also was arrested near former President Barack Obama’s DC house with multiple weapons in his car — including the ingredients to make a Molotov.    

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