The explosion in Nashville is downtown on Christmas morning, maybe it was “intentional,” police say

NASHVILLE – An explosion shook mostly deserted streets in downtown Nashville early Christmas morning, shattering windows, damaging buildings and injuring three people. Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional. The FBI is conducting an investigation.

Nashville Metro Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said police responded to a shooting call just before 6 a.m. but found no immediate signs of a shot, although officers noticed a suspicious vehicle and they called for a dangerous unit. While they were waiting, the vehicle exploded.

Aaron said three people were taken to hospitals in the area for treatment, although none were in critical condition. He said some people were taken to the central section of the hearing department, but declined to provide further details.

The FBI will take over the investigation, said spokesman Joel Siskovic. Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also present at the scene. The FBI is the main law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism.

At noon, police dogs continued to search for cars and buildings in the nearby area.

A Philadelphia man staying at a nearby hotel said that when he heard the explosion, he knew it was not a harmless noise.

“It was a very strong explosion,” said Joseph Fafara. “We tried to rationalize that it was an earthquake or something. But it was obviously not an earthquake.” He said he traveled to Tennessee with his family for Christmas because the state has weaker COVID-19 restrictions than Philadelphia.

Fafara went outside to look at the damage, but the police barricades had already been set up.

Black smoke and flames were seen early Friday walking through the area, which is full of bars, restaurants and other retail outlets and is known as the heart of Nashville’s tourist center.

The buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a strong boom was heard.

SEE | The video shows the aftermath of the explosion:

Buck McCoy, who lives nearby, posted videos on Facebook showing water pouring on the ceiling of his house. Alarms sound in the background and the cries of people in great danger ring in the background. A fire is visible on the street outside.

McCoy says he heard gunfire 15 minutes before the blast shook his building. McCoy said the windows of his house were completely blown out.

“All my windows, each of them was thrown into the next room. If I had been there, it would have been horrible,” he said.

“It sounded like a bomb to me. It was so big,” he told The Associated Press.

“About four cars were set on fire. I don’t know if it was so hot that they caught fire and the trees were thrown out,” he said.

President Donald Trump has been briefed, according to White House spokesman Judd Deere, who said Trump, who is spending his holidays in Florida, will continue to receive regular updates. The U.S. Department of Justice said Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen was also briefed and directed all departmental resources that will be made available to assist in the investigation.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said on Twitter that the state will provide the necessary resources “to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN with me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all the first respondents who acted so quickly this morning. “

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the city was fortunate that the number of injured was limited.

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Associated Press writers Eric Tucker of Washington contributed. Beaty reported from New York.