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CNN Live Today

FBI Trails Midwest Pipe Bomber

Aired May 07, 2002 - 10:10   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: While you were actually reporting that for us, Daryn, late word now just coming across on the Associated Press wires about yet another pipe bomb found in the United States. Across the country in the midsection of the country, we understand now another pipe bomb has been found. The FBI saying that it was in Amarillo, Texas this morning, and they say that it is a bomb that seems to be similar to the other 17 that have been found across the Midwest.

Now, the FBI has said that it believes that one person is behind this recent wave of pipe bombs, including yesterday's discovery in Salida, Colorado, which brought the total to 17. These 17 explosive devices all found since Friday in rural mailboxes from Iowa to Illinois to Nebraska.

Now, some of those were accompanied by notes railing against the federal government. No word on whether the one just found moments ago also contains -- or was accompanied by such a note.

Our Rusty Dornin joins us now live from Omaha, Nebraska. She has got an update for us.

Rusty, have you gotten the same word that we have gotten from the Associated Press about this 18th bomb being found?

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we are about to talk to an FBI official here in Omaha, where the investigation is still being headed of this regional office. You know, the concern is this is leapfrogging very quickly westward across the country. And it's very hard to anticipate which state these bombs are going to end up in.

Now, of course there was one discovered in Nebraska, in Hastings, Nebraska yesterday, but they believe that was really deposited over the weekend, because the resident was away for the weekend and didn't find it until he came home on Monday. That bomb did not explode.

There was another one discovered in Salida, Colorado, a similar device, also did not explode. When they called the authorities, they were able to move it.

So both of these bombs, very similar to the others that have been found across the states, across the Midwest. Residents are being cautioned to keep their mailboxes open for business.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If you've got mail or want it, and you live in Iowa or Nebraska, you best show your mail carrier you've got nothing deadly inside. How long will people have to keep their mailboxes open?

LINDA JENSEN, POSTAL INSPECTOR: As long as it takes. Again, primary concern is the safety of the postal customer, safety of our postal employees. It's got to be number one in our mind right now.

DORNIN: Eight small pipe bombs popped up in mailboxes in Illinois and Iowa last Friday.

GORCYN NUNN, FOUND BOMB IN MAILBOX: It was in a clear Ziploc bag. And it was a pipe about six inches long with caps on both ends, and there was a nine-volt battery with it.

DORNIN: Six people, including four postal carriers, were wounded when they either opened the mailbox or touched the device and it exploded. At least seven more bombs were found over the weekend in Nebraska.

(on camera): But the ones found here in Nebraska were different. They were not designed to explode when the box was opened or the bomb was moved. Investigators say maybe, just maybe, the bomber is de- escalating.

(voice-over): Despite the difference in bomb design, the FBI believes all the bombs are coming from the same source. All were accompanied by letters declaring hate for the U.S. government.

DAN LEVITAS, HATE GROUP EXPERT: It's someone who as an ax to grind with the federal government, anti-government sentiment. And, of course, taken in the context of what right-wing hate groups were saying after September 11th, it's only reasonable to believe that possibly someone associated with a right-wing group or a racist or anti-Semitic organization might be involved.

DORNIN: The letters were posted on the FBI's Web site, as well as in newspapers. The ramblings just might be one of the best clues. Someone out there might recognize the words or the beliefs expressed and step forward.

It happened with the Unabomber when his brother recognized his writings. It could happen again. But unlike the Unabomber, no one is being targeted by name.

Whatever the message, it's making people like Corrine Murphy (ph) angry.

CORRINE MURPHY (ph): I think it's terrible what's going on. I mean first it was the anthrax thing with the mail, and now it's the bombs. I mean it's ridiculous, and there's something that's got to be done. There are quacks out there, total nuts, and they need to be caught and punished.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got to put a stop to it, though. I think we can if everybody keeps their eyes open.

DORNIN: Something the FBI is hoping for too.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DORNIN: Now, the FBI profilers are still saying they believe it is one man traveling in a car by himself. And if so, Leon, he is making a lot of miles here over the last few days and must be getting very little sleep.

It is unclear obviously when the Texas bomb was planted, whether it was planted yesterday or early this morning. So we will be finding out more information about that and be getting back to you -- Leon.

HARRIS: A good point, yes, a good deal. And as a matter of fact, Rusty, we are going to let you go right now to go dig up some more information, to go talk with the FBI. Because, Rusty, you of course have not heard this yet, but there is now another note crossing on the Associated Press wires saying, that yes, a note was attached or found with this particular pipe bomb, this now the bomb No. 18 found in Amarillo, Texas this morning. So, Rusty, good job. We'll let you go to work there with the FBI to get some more information. Get back us when you can.

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