(Nashville, TN) – Authorities have identified the man suspected of detonating a bomb inside of an RV Christmas Morning in downtown Nashville.
Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, who authorities believe died during the explosion was linked to the vehicle when investigators found the Vehicle Identification Number amongst the debris that indicated ownership. Remains found at the scene have also been matched to a relative of Warner through DNA. The identification led to the search of a home believed to have been lived in by Warner in Antioch, Tennessee.
Surveillance video showed the RV arrive in the area of the explosion at around 1:30AM Friday Morning. Nashville police received a call for shots fired in that area at around 5:30AM. Responding officers were met with an audio message emanating from recreational vehicle warning anyone in the area that the vehicle would explode along with a countdown timer. At that time an evacuation effort began. The vehicle exploded at 6:30AM in a massive fireball that left at least three injured and Warner presumably as the only fatality.
The location of the blast was right outside of an AT&T Traffic hub which impacted communications throughout the area even leading to flights being grounded at the Nashville International Airport. The company was able to get power back on and mobile services restored by Sunday night.
Investigators are looking at “any and all possible motives,” Doug Korneski, the FBI special agent in charge of the Memphis Field Office, said during a Sunday evening press conference. Federal investigators have started examining Warner’s digital footprint and financial history. They are also examining a recent deed transfer of a home in suburban Nashville. Warner had experience with electronics and alarms, according to public records.