Explosives detonated at multiple DC businesses within minutes, police say suspects are on the loose



Multiple businesses in Washington, D.C. were damaged by explosives early Sunday morning.

Within 15 minutes, three D.C. businesses were hit by explosions.

Around 4:30 a.m., an explosive device was detonated outside of the ATM at the Truist Bank in Northeast D.C., and the suspect fled the crime scene.

Approximately six minutes later, the Nike store in Northeast D.C. was damaged by an explosive.

Then at 4:45 a.m., a suspect "threw a Molotov cocktail style object at the Safeway store located in the 300 block of 40th Street, Northeast then fled the scene in a vehicle," according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police Department.

All of the businesses suffered damage, according to police and photos shared online.

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"In each of these offenses, it appears the suspect targeted commercial establishments and it does not appear the suspect was targeting any members of the public," the Metropolitan Police Department said. "The establishments were closed at the time of the offenses."

Police did not reveal the possible motive for the fiery attacks.

There were no reported injuries from the blasts.

The Metropolitan Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division are investigating the violent explosions.

The Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone with information about the explosions to contact them at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The Metropolitan Police Department, in partnership with the ATF, are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible for the explosions.

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Wisconsin anti-abortion headquarters reportedly attacked with Molotov cocktail, vandals spray graffiti: 'If abortions aren't safe then you aren't either'



Vandals reportedly used a Molotov cocktail to attack the headquarters of an anti-abortion organization in Wisconsin this weekend. The criminals also spray-painted a threat to the pro-life group that read, "If abortions aren't safe then you aren't either."

The pro-life Wisconsin Family Action organization has a mission "to advance Judeo-Christian principles and values in Wisconsin by strengthening, preserving, and promoting marriage, family, life, and liberty." The group is staunchly anti-abortion and "pro-family."

Late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, the Wisconsin Family Action headquarters in Madison was vandalized and allegedly set on fire.

Alexander Shur – a state government reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal – posted photos on Twitter of the damage caused by the alleged Molotov cocktail attack.

Shur wrote on Twitter, "Somebody vandalized and allegedly threw Molotov cocktails into Wisconsin Family Action's — an anti-abortion rights group — Madison office, writing w/ graffiti, 'If abortions aren’t safe, then you aren’t either.'"

BREAKING: Somebody vandalized and allegedly threw Molotov cocktails into Wisconsin Family Action\u2019s \u2014 an anti-abortion rights group \u2014 Madison office, writing w/ graffiti, \u201cIf abortions aren\u2019t safe, then you aren\u2019t either.\u201d\n\nStory TKpic.twitter.com/6Wfnyeh9hQ
— Alexander Shur (@Alexander Shur) 1652022787

There was a symbol for anarchists spray-painted outside the pro-life building. There was also graffiti that read: "1312" – a numeric code that stands for "ACAB" or "All Cops Are Bastards," often used by Antifa.

Molotov attack on anti-abortion group last night in #Madison Wisconsin.\n\nBuilding was spray painted with Antifa/Anarchist symbols and threats.\n\narticle- https://madison.com/news/local/madison-anti-abortion-headquarters-hit-by-molotov-cocktail-vandalism-graffiti/article_526660ea-776d-50ca-9baa-4b4a9337dca7.html\u00a0\u2026pic.twitter.com/FnevgwALU7
— AntifaWatch (@AntifaWatch) 1652026493

Madison Police Department spokesperson Stephanie Fryer told the Wisconsin State Journal, "Due to the suspicious nature of this fire, our arson investigators responded. They are actively working this case at this time."

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes issued a statement, and officially ruled the fire as arson.

The Madison Police Department understands members of our community are feeling deep emotions due to the recent news involving the United States Supreme Court. Early Sunday morning, our team began investigating a suspicious fire inside an office building on the city’s north side. It appears a specific non-profit that supports anti-abortion measures was targeted. Our department has and continues to support people being able to speak freely and openly about their beliefs. But we feel that any acts of violence, including the destruction of property, do not aid in any cause. We have made our federal partners aware of this incident and are working with them and the Madison Fire Department as we investigate this arson.We will provide an update on this case Monday at 2 p.m. Specific details regarding the logistics of this update will be sent at a later time.

Julaine Appling – president of the Wisconsin Family Action – said someone saw smoke rising from the building and called the police.

An incident report from the Madison Police Department reads, "Flames were seen coming from the facility shortly after 6 a.m."

Appling told WISC-TV that someone had thrown Molotov cocktails into her office and burned her books.

Appling told Madison.com, "What you're going to see here is a direct threat against us. Imagine if somebody had been in the office when this happened. They would have been hurt."

"This is the local manifestation of the anger and the lack of tolerance from the pro-abortion people toward those of us who are pro-life," Appling said – referring to the reaction by leftists becoming enraged over the possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned.

"I understand that people are afraid and angry, but violence is not an acceptable response," Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway (D) said in a statement. "Madison believes strongly in the right to free speech, but it must be exercised nonviolently by all sides in this increasingly contentious debate."

On Saturday night, angry pro-abortion activists staged demonstrations outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh.

On Friday, CNN warned that the leaked draft decision that indicates that the U.S. Supreme Court could potentially overturn the controversial Roe v. Wade decision could spark protests by the "far-right."

"CNN has learned that the U.S. Capitol police are bracing for large demonstrations that are being organized by far-right groups to protest abortion rights," said CNN guest host Alex Marquardt.

Arson attack on Wisconsin Family Action headquarters in Madison www.youtube.com

Ukrainian brewery joins war effort, switches to manufacturing Molotov cocktails: 'Putin is a d**khead'



A Ukrainian brewery has joined the war effort and has replaced the act of brewing its craft beer with manufacturing Molotov cocktails in an effort to stem the tide of Russian forces.

What are the details?

Pravda brewery in Lviv has begun manufacturing the makeshift bombs in anticipation of the possibility that Russian tanks will begin to roll into the city, according to reports.

Pravda brewery owner Yuriy Zastavny said that he would fight tooth and nail to ensure Ukraine's victory over Russian invaders.

"We do this because someone has to," he reasoned. "We have the skills, we went through a street revolution in 2014. We had to make and use Molotov cocktails then."

Zastavny vowed that he would do everything possible to help win the war.

"I have absolutely no doubt that we'll win," he told Fox News on Monday. "We are already winning because we already disrupt[ed] the plans of the crazy dictator. And we will continue to do it, because they are not facing only the Ukrainian Army, but they are facing the army of 40 million people prepared to fight every step."

He added that his employees gave him the idea to switch over to the manufacturing of firebombs.

"Once we understand what can come through beer -- because it’s no time for beer, we need to get other things sorted out – we decided to make Molotov cocktails because we can use bottles, we can use the people, and it was a grassroots idea."

What else?

One employee described the perfect way to craft the cocktail, telling Agence France-Presse that in order to build a successful homemade firebomb, "you have to wait for the cloth to be well soaked."

"When it is, that means the Molotov cocktail is ready," the employee told the news agency as he stuffed a rag into the beer bottle, which was filled with oil and gasoline.

AFP reported that one of the brewery's favorite beers is called "Putin khuylo" — reportedly translated to "Putin is a dickhead."

According to reports, military instructors have also been teaching local civilians how to launch the bombs against Russian troops.

'I'm gonna kill you': Unhinged man tosses Molotov cocktail into Brooklyn deli; Good Samaritan knocks 2nd cocktail from his hand, preventing greater damage



Surveillance videos captured the moment a man tossed a Molotov cocktail into the NR Rock Deli in Brooklyn on Saturday morning, immediately igniting the store's interior and sending employees running from the flames, the New York Post reported.

Shocking video shows Molotov cocktail attack yesterday on a deli at 496 Nostrand Ave Brooklyn. Property damage but… https://t.co/rnDxAQMiPG

— Tony Aiello (@AielloTV) 1635710984.0

What are the details?

New York City Fire Department and law enforcement sources told the paper the suspect got into an argument with store staff before carrying out the attack.

Video shows the suspect lighting the Molotov cocktail outside the Bedford-Stuyvesant store and tossing it inside.

Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @AielloTV

A second video camera inside the bodega shows the cocktail igniting near the deli display case and covering an entire side of the store with flames.

The explosion sent one employee running through the fire and stumbling to the floor with his shoe in flames before making it outside; a second employee also ran outside to safety.

Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @AielloTV

Video outside the store also shows the suspect attempting to toss a second Molotov cocktail into the deli before a Good Samaritan knocks the incendiary device from his hand, after which the cocktail explodes on the sidewalk in front of the store.

Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @AielloTV

'I'm gonna kill you'

Mohamed Abdulla was working behind the counter in his father's store when the attack took place, WCBS-TV reported.

"He was threatening, 'I'm gonna kill you. I'm gonna burn the store. I'm going to burn the building down,'" Abdulla told the station regarding the suspect's alleged words prior to the attack.

Image source: WCBS-TV video screenshot

He told WCBS the first Molotov cocktail explosion "was so fast, you wouldn't believe it. I was there working in the deli and had customers. Out of nowhere I had glass and fire in my face."

Abdulla suffered burns to his arms, the station said.

Image source: WCBS-TV video screenshot

He's also thankful for the quick thinking of the man who stopped a second cocktail from being thrown into the deli, the station said: "If the second one would have came here, the whole building would have been on fire."

What happened after the attack?

Video shows the suspect running away after the Good Samaritan knocked the second Molotov cocktail from his hand.

Abdulla said he chased the suspect two blocks to a train station and held him until authorities arrived, WCBS reported.

FDNY fire marshals arrested Joel Mangal, 38, and charged him with arson, assault, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal mischief, the department told the Daily News.

Police told WCBS the suspect slashed Abdulla in the hand while Abdulla was holding him, which triggered the weapon charge.

https://t.co/5XE8pKITrz

— The Bronx Daily.™ | Bronx.com (@The_Bronx_Daily) 1635711900.0

"Fortunately, there was no loss of life here. The investigative work from the Explosives and Arson Task Force comprised of our Fire Marshals, the NYPD, and ATF, led to the timely arrest of this suspect who threatened the safety of our communities by using such a cruel and destructive device," FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro told WPIX-TV. "FDNY will continue to work alongside local, state and federal partners to bring to justice those who use fire as a weapon against New Yorkers."

VIDEO: NYPD says man threw 'chemical' and Molotov cocktail at cops during traffic stop; suspect faces federal charges



Police bodycam video shows a man throwing a liquid at an NYPD cop during a traffic stop in Brooklyn, New York. The New York Police Department also claimed the suspect hurled a Molotov cocktail at police officers during the tense confrontation on Saturday morning.

Law enforcement officials say that NYPD officers pulled over Lionel Virgile after he ran a red light just before 8 a.m. on Saturday. Officers approached the tinted-out 2000 Lincoln Town Car that Virgile was driving. The officer requested the man's driver's license and vehicle registration, but Virgile first said, "Nah."

The man appeared to be looking for his identification on the driver's side door, then swung open the door, and tossed a clear liquid at the officer. The bodycam video shows the officer retreat and he screams several expletives.

The NYPD says the liquid was a "chemical," possibly bleach or peroxide.

(Content Warning: Explicit language):

Today, a vehicle stop for running a red light proved once again that no traffic enforcement is “routine.” When appr… https://t.co/j5vDx9tqcE
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPD NEWS)1618693106.0

Virgile, 44, reportedly then drove off. Police pursued him and, during the high-speed car chase, Virgile allegedly threw a lit Molotov cocktail at the cops. The NYPD did not include video of the Molotov cocktail attack or the pursuit. Virgile is said to have crashed into a parked vehicle during his attempted escape. Virgile was arrested.

When police inspected the vehicle they discovered three additional homemade Molotov cocktails.

When cops in Brooklyn stopped a car this AM for running a red light, the driver threw a chemical at our officer bef… https://t.co/HeJPCjOCCw
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPD NEWS)1618676828.0

Virgile, who is from Bridgeport, Connecticut, faces a federal charge of arson with injury, which carries a 7-to-40-year prison sentence. The Brooklyn district attorney may also file charges.

"Virgile is in federal custody and will appear virtually Monday before a federal judge sitting in Downtown Brooklyn," WABC-TV reported.

Investigators are still attempting to determine if the man intentionally targeting police, and purposely ran the red light to get the attention of police. NYPD vehicles were attacked with Molotov cocktails last summer.

Virgile's brother told WABC the suspect suffers from mental illness and had been living in his car. The brother said that Virgile had been taken into custody before the incident, but police released him.

NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea commented on the incident on Twitter.

"This is another reminder of how quickly a situation can change, & the dangers your cops face every day while they're protecting NYers," Shea said. "Even after arrest, the investigation into this attack remains active. And your NYPD cops will not relent in their mission to keep you safe."

"Words matter Earlier this week we said that again after graffiti that proclaimed 'kill cops.' This morning..a Molotov cocktail thrown at an occupied marked police car," Shea tweeted. "Now more than ever is the time to come together, to move forward together."

One of the officers was taken to the hospital, and both officers were not seriously injured.

Driver Hurls Molotov Cocktail at Brooklyn Cops After Running Red Light: NYPD | NBC New York www.youtube.com

RELATED: Pulse-pounding dashcam video shows moment police chase suspect opens fire on cops with AK-47

Rioter throws Molotov cocktail at group of Portland police officers, striking one, as mob sets fire to justice center following Breonna Taylor indictment



A Portland, Oregon, rioter reportedly threw a Molotov cocktail at a group of police officers on Wednesday night as law enforcement declared the demonstrations in the area a riot.

Reports say that rioters also set fire to the city's justice center.

Demonstrations in the city continued following the announcement of a criminal indictment of one officer involved in the death of Louisville, Kentucky, resident Breonna Taylor. You can read more on the indictment here.

Following the announcement, riots erupted in cities across the country.

What are the details?

According to Newsweek, demonstrators gathered in Portland's streets following the indictment of former police officer Brett Hankison on three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree.

The Portland Police Bureau announced that at least 74 people gathered on the Central Precinct side of the city's Justice Center, where they reportedly "began throwing softball-sized rocks towards Central Precinct, which shattered the glass windows above the entry doors."

The demonstrators converged on the precinct, and a riot broke out as protesters began to set fire to the building.

The bureau's statement added, "The group continued to throw rocks through the windows, which continued to shatter glass in the entryway of the Central Precinct, making it difficult for others to safely exit the precinct due to the glass falling and the glass that covered the entryway floor."

"Once the window was broken, group members used slingshots to launch projectiles at a high velocity through the broken glass windows of Central Precinct," the statement continued. "Some members of the group attempted to break into the front doors of the Central Precinct lobby."

While on the streets, police moved in on the unruly group, and at least one demonstrator threw a Molotov cocktail at a group of officers.

Authorities later attempted to clear the crowd by firing pepper balls and deploying pepper spray on the mob after declaring a riot.

The bureau added, "Officers began to disperse the crowd outside of Central Precinct again and a Molotov cocktail was thrown towards officers striking one in the foot. Portland Fire Medic was nearby and able to extinguish the flames. Had this incendiary not been stopped immediately, it could have caused serious physical injury to the officer. A second Molotov cocktail was thrown towards officers near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Main Street, and a third Molotov cocktail was thrown at officers near Southwest Broadway and Southwest Main Street. As the crowd was dispersed they aggressively threw rocks at officers and other projectiles."

Twitter user Pierce Singgih shared video of the incident on Twitter, writing, "[S]omeone just threw a Molotov at Portland Police as officers moved in and declared the event a riot."

#PORTLAND: someone just threw a Molotov at Portland Police as officers moved in and declared the event an riot.… https://t.co/dWXhORvpql
— pierce singgih (@pierce singgih)1600925527.0
Clear shot of the Molotov thrower in Portland. https://t.co/jpBvY3Lrac
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong)1600937844.0

(H/T: Newsweek)

Man arrested in Portland for starting fire with Molotov cocktail — allegedly sets 6 more upon release



Police in Portland, Oregon, say they arrested a man Sunday who admitted to lighting a brush fire using a Molotov cocktail, and arrested the same suspect hours later following his release from custody after he allegedly set six more fires.

What are the details?

The Portland Police Bureau issued a news release stating that officers arrested Domingo Lopez Jr., 45, on Sunday afternoon after a witness pointed to him as the person who used a Molotov cocktail to set a fire along Interstate-205 freeway that officers had just helped fire officials extinguish. Lopez "confirmed he lit the fire with the device," according to police.

Officers recovered a plastic bottle with a wick and seized it as evidence, posting a photo of it in their report.

Lopez was charged with reckless burning and disorderly conduct in the second degree for his Sunday arrest, and arson investigators are probing to determine whether further charges may be brought in that incident.

At 3:37 a.m. the next day, officers and Portland Fire and Rescue were dispatched again "to a report of multiple fires burning along the west side of the I-205 freeway."

Police reported in a second news release:

Portland Fire and Rescue extinguished three of them while passing community members put out the other three. All were caught early. No one was injured and no structures were burnt. Officers located Domingo Lopez, Junior walking along the shoulder and arrested him. They seized a lighter as evidence.

Lopez was charged with six additional counts of reckless burning in connection to his Monday arrest.

Fox News noted that "wildfires, of course, have been burning more than one million acres in Oregon."

Portland police arrest man for starting small brush fire www.youtube.com


The Oregonian reported that as of Saturday, seven people had been confirmed dead from wildfires in the state and dozens more were missing in a catastrophe that officials warn could be a "mass fatality incident."

Anything else?

In a separate report Monday, The Oregonian noted:

Law enforcement, including Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts, have tried to bat down unfounded rumors of coordinated arson plans and widespread looting in evacuated areas, saying there was no evidence to back them up. Sheriff's offices across the state, along with the FBI, have roundly debunked the claims.

Roberts said during a news conference Sunday, "There's just a lot of misinformation about folks trying to set fires. I want to reassure everybody that we are on this and if you see anything suspicious, I encourage you to call us."