News for Thur. 02 May & Fri. 03
May 2002
FBI
Calls Midwest Mailbox Bombings Domestic Terrorism
VOA
News 4
May 2002 00:40 UTC

The FBI and U.S.
postal inspectors are investigating a series of pipe bombs placed inside rural
mailboxes in two midwestern states. The FBI calls the bombings a case of
domestic terrorism.
The blasts wounded
five people in Illinois and Iowa Friday, including three mail carriers. None of
the injuries are said to be life-threatening. Authorities say at least five
bombs exploded and three others were found and defused.
They say the pipe
bombs were connected to nine-volt batteries and stuffed into clear plastic
bags.
They also say letters
complaining about what the writer calls government control of citizens' lives
were placed inside the mailboxes alongside the bombs. The letters warn that
more "attention getters" are on the way. The officials say the bombs were not
mailed, but put inside the boxes.
Officials say the
bombs are intended to explode when they are moved -- and they urge anyone
finding a suspicious device to leave it alone and call police
immediately.
Some information
for this report provided by Reuters and AP.
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