Federal authorities arrested two men in Utah after an alleged attempt to ignite an explosive device beneath a media vehicle, prompting an immediate FBI investigation.
The alleged attack came just days after the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, less than an hour from the suspects’ residence.
The incident occurred Friday when an “incendiary device” was reportedly planted under a Fox 13 Salt Lake City vehicle.
The car was parked underneath an occupied building at the time.
Police stated the device was lit but failed to ignite.
The suspects, identified as Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahme Nasir, 31, were arrested on Sunday.
Authorities raided their residence in Magna, Utah, less than an hour from Utah Valley University, where Kirk was assassinated last Wednesday.
Federal agents quickly linked the attempted bombing to the Nasirs.
The FBI took charge as soon as the device was confirmed to be a genuine threat in a public setting.
Within two days, investigators traced evidence back to the suspects.
A search warrant allowed agents to comb through the suspects’ home, according to New York Post reporting. Inside, they recovered mock explosive devices, illicit drugs, components used to assemble devices and two firearms.
The men were not legally allowed to possess the firearms because of their status as restricted persons with known narcotics use, according to arrest records.
Authorities reported that while the suspects were questioned, they insisted the devices were real.
This statement forced law enforcement to evacuate the neighborhood and initiate disposal procedures.
“While being questioned about the devices, both suspects stated that the devices were real,” police documents confirmed.
“This caused all law enforcement personnel executing the warrant to evacuate the residence and initiate disposal procedures.”
Law enforcement later determined that the devices found inside the home were fake.
Adeeb Nasir, originally from Pakistan, is now facing multiple felony charges.
These include two counts of constructing weapons of mass destruction and two counts of threat of terrorism. He was booked into Salt Lake County Jail and ordered to be held without bail.
As of now, no charges have been filed against Adil Justice Ahme Nasir, though he remains in custody.
Authorities have not yet clarified the exact relationship between the two men. Records confirm, however, that both were residing in the same Magna home.
The alleged targeting of a Fox 13 News vehicle has raised concerns inside the station. FOX 13 Station Manager Leona Wood issued a statement following the arrests.
“FOX 13 News is working closely with law-enforcement and our risk management team, with the safety of our employees as our top priority,” Wood said.
The FBI continues to lead the investigation into the attempted bombing. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed a motive for the incident.
Authorities have not indicated whether the two events are connected.
