Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Saturday that he had requested an emergency declaration from President Donald Trump after an explosion ripped through downtown Nashville on Christmas morning.
“The severity and magnitude of the current situation is such that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments,” said Lee in a statement.
Lee added that he toured the site of the explosion on Saturday, calling the damage “shocking” and a “miracle” that no residents were killed. The explosion, which police called an “intentional act,” left at least three people injured and destroyed a number of buildings and businesses nearby.
The blast also damaged an AT&T building, which disrupted 911 emergency services and temporarily grounded planes at Nashville International Airport. Meanwhile, AT&T said that it had installed two temporary cell towers downtown to provide service and that other portable sites were being set up.
Officers arrived at the scene before the explosion Friday, responding to reports of shots fired around 5:30 a.m., and found an RV parked in front of the AT&T building, according to police. A speaker system on the RV was broadcasting a warning about an imminent explosion and telling people to evacuate through what sounded like a recorded female voice.
“They heard the announcements coming from this vehicle, took them seriously, and were working to seal the streets to protect folks,” said Metropolitan Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron. “We think lives were saved by those officers doing just that.”
Nearly $300,000 has already been raised for information in the arrest and conviction of a suspect involved in the explosion. Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. president and CEO, Butch Spyridon, said Friday that the organization offered $10,000 towards a reward, but the amount has since been raised to $34,500.
“Like everyone, we woke up this Christmas morning to the horrible news of the explosion on Second Avenue. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with all involved or affected,” said Spyridon in a statement. “This is when we show the world who we are. Thank you all for everything you do for our city, and stay safe. I believe in Nashville.”
Clay Davis, a FOX Sports host, also offered $10,000 for anyone who could provide information leading to the arrest of the suspect involved.
On Friday evening, Marcus Lemonis, hos of CNBC’s “The Profit’,” said on Twitter that he pledged $250,000 towards the reward and expressed his horror over the explosion.
“We can’t have our streets terrorized like this,” said Lemonis. “Let’s spread the word and help the city solve this.
Officials said that they do not know the motive in the bomingb, but local and federal authorities are investigating.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Nbcnews.com
