FBI investigates NAACP bomb attack in Colorado Springs, Colorado
The FBI is investigating after a bomb exploded outside a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) office in Colorado Springs, Colorado yesterday.
The attack is believed to be racially motivated. Authorities are still searching for the author of the crime.
The IED device detonated at approximately 10:45, outside a barber shop attached to the civil rights group’s building.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a “loud boom” outside the office building.
Police say the improvised device was placed next to a gasoline can, intended to increase the destructive impact of the bomb, however it failed to ignite.
No injuries were reported, but residents were left fearful.
Gene Southerland, who owns the Mr G’s Hair Design Studio, said: “I was cutting someone’s hair and I heard the explosion. It was such a loud explosion that plastic containers fell off the shelf.”
Another witness told news agency KDVR: “There was smoke everywhere. The building on the side was burnt. Whoever did it took off right away.”
The NAACP is the United States’ oldest civil rights organisation. Henry D. Allen Jr., head of the Colorado office responded to the attack, stating: “It will not deter the movement’s efforts.”
Mr Allen Jr. added: “Apparently we’re doing something correctly … Apparently, we have gotten someone’s attention that we are working towards civil rights for all. That is making some people uncomfortable.”
Amy Sanders, spokeswoman for the FBI in Denver, claimed that the bureau is searching for a “Caucasian balding male, about 40 years of age.”
An FBI statement read: “He may be driving a dirty 2000 or older model, white pick-up truck with paneling, a dark colored bed liner, open tailgate and a missing or covered license plate”.
The NAACP national office has said they are “looking forward to a thorough investigation”.
Thomas Rhys Jones
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