SALT LAKE CITY — Two men were arrested after an incendiary device was found beneath a news media vehicle parked near an occupied building in Salt Lake City, authorities said Sunday.
Police and fire department bomb squads responded Friday when the suspicious device was discovered, and investigators determined the device “had been lit but failed to function as designed,” according to court records cited by CBS affiliate KUTV. The FBI identified two suspects and executed a search warrant at a home in the Magna neighborhood west of downtown Salt Lake City.
Two men, ages 58 and 31, were taken into custody and could face charges related to weapons possession and threats of terrorism, ABC affiliate KTVX reported. Neighboring homes were evacuated while investigators conducted the search, which turned up explosives and explosive-related components as well as firearms, illegal narcotics and other paraphernalia, court records show. Authorities also recovered at least two devices that were later determined to be hoax weapons of mass destruction.
Investigators did not immediately disclose the suspected motive for placing the device, nor did they provide details about the relationship between the two men. Law enforcement officials said the device did not detonate and no injuries were reported.
The arrests came as news organizations had increased their presence in Salt Lake City in recent days following a separate, high-profile violent incident that drew national media attention, local reports said. Officials did not indicate any direct link between that incident and the device placed under the media vehicle.
Federal and local investigators are continuing to examine evidence from the Magna residence and surrounding area. Court records cited by local stations form part of the public record in the probe, and additional charges or developments could emerge as forensic and investigative work proceeds.
Authorities urged anyone with information relevant to the case to contact the FBI or local police. The investigation remains active and officials said they would release further details as they become available.