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On 15 February 2024, the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force seized a shipping container containing approximately 24 tons of illegal pyrotechnics during a routine investigation of goods entering Honolulu Harbor. The Department of Law Enforcement described the seized fireworks as “1.3 G fireworks,” also known as display fireworks. The investigation is ongoing.
On 12 February 2024, Kauai Police Department (KPD) officers responded to a Kīlauea residence for reports of an unattended death, where they discovered the body of a deceased 37-year-old man bearing injuries “consistent with an explosive event.” KPD released a statement following the incident, reminding the public of the dangers of homemade explosives. An autopsy confirmed the death was not the result of foul play but did not provide further details.
On 20 February 2024, at approximately 1315 hours local time, Tustin Police Department officers, Orange County Bomb Squad technicians, Orange County Fire Authority officers, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a shopping center on the 2000 block of Edinger Avenue for a reported explosion. According to authorities, an individual detonated an IED described as an improvised pyrotechnic outside the shopping center. A 30-year-old man was arrested and cited for three misdemeanor health and safety code violations.
On 30 January 2024, at approximately 0400 hours local time, two unidentified male suspects approached a business on N. Blackstone Avenue near the intersection with E. Shields Avenue in Fresno. One suspect threw an improvised incendiary device (IID), described as a Molotov cocktail, over the fence toward the business, where it smashed on the ground between a vehicle and the building. The resulting fire destroyed the vehicle and damaged the building before being extinguished by responding firefighters. An investigation is ongoing.
On 13 February 2024, local authorities responded after a roadside remote-controlled IED (RCIED), described as a “homemade explosive activated using a remote detonation system,” was functioned as a vehicle was traveling in a wooded area between two farms in the northern departments of Concepcion and Amambay. The blast killed three people and injured one other. Explosive experts responded to conduct a post-blast analysis of the scene. No further device details were provided. Authorities believe the attack was carried out by the Paraguayan People's Army. The investigation is ongoing.
On 12 February 2024, at approximately 1400 hours local time, local authorities responded to the Court of Appeals in Thessaloniki after a judge reported receiving a suspicious package. The package had been delivered 10 days prior to the judge deeming it suspicious. Local Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians responded to assist after the package was put through the building’s x-ray machine by a guard, with positive results.
On 9 February 2024, local authorities discovered explosives, weapons, and other objects used for criminal purposes during an anti-organized crime operation in Athens, Piraeus, and Perama. The discovery of explosives comes a week after an explosive device was functioned outside the Labor Ministry in Athens. Four suspects, ages 32 to 45, were arrested in connection to the operation and charged for construction and possession of explosives and incendiary material.
On 10 February 2024, at approximately 1645 hours local time, a Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) officer arrested a 51-year-old male motorist after the suspect confronted the officer following a traffic stop on the 800 block of South State Street in Salt Lake City. During an interview with police, the suspect claimed that he had explosives in his vehicle to be used against unspecified enemies during “World War 3.” The SLCPD discovered several jars filled with liquids and other objects in the vehicle and requested assistance from the SLCPD Hazardous Devices Unit.
On 12 February 2024, at approximately 0040 hours local time, Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) officers responded to an apartment complex on Larchwood Avenue after an IED described as a modified pyrotechnic functioned. The 30-year-old man in possession of the device received severe injuries to his hand and eyes during the blast and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The PPD Bomb Squad and ATF responded to assist. No further device details were provided, and the investigation is ongoing.
On 8 February 2024, at approximately 0620 hours local time, McMinnville Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a residence on Southwest Cypress Street and asked to search the property after receiving a tip that pipe bombs were being made at the residence. MPD officers obtained a search warrant after the residents declined entry, and the Oregon State Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene to assist. While executing the warrant, authorities discovered bomb-making materials (BMM), as well as methamphetamine and cocaine. No further details about the BMM were released.