Pipe bomb explodes before US charity run

An explosive device detonated in the New Jersey beach town of Seaside Park Saturday morning along the route of a 5k charity race befitting U.S. Marines and sailors that drew thousands of runners, officials said. The Semper Five 5K run had been scheduled to begin shortly after 9 a.m., but the start was delayed and no runners were in proximity to the trash can when the explosion occurred.

Determined be a “pipe bomb-type device” by New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad, the bomb was just one of several found in the trashcan; the other devices, which were all wired together, did not go off. Authorities immediately evacuated the boardwalk and beach area and it was not clear when it would reopen.

The race had been delayed, so there were no crowds in the area at the time, according to authorities.

Multiple agencies are investigating the incident and whether the motive was terror, he said. Some homes near the scene were evacuated as a precaution, and the public was being urged to avoid the area.

Speaking with reporter Jake Tapper on CNN, Christie said the investigation does not show any evidence so far that there is a connection between the Seaside Park bombing and attacks that occurred in New York City on Saturday night or a stabbing attack in Minnesota.

“We encourage everyone to stay away from the vicinity and allow law enforcement to render the area safe”, the official said.

“Our offices are in constant communication” with information that is evaluated and digested, Whittaker said, but he could not speculate on a connection between the Seaside Park and NY incidents. Authorities later said the reports of additional devices were not verified.

“The one went off, and the others did not”, he added.

“We don’t believe at this time that there’s any evidence connecting [the New Jersey pipe bomb] to the attacks in NY or Minnesota”, Christie said on CNN. It was no immediate clear whether the second device was detonated. The event did not start on time, Cohen said.

A barbecue festival in Seaside Heights was going on as planned, but the mayor of Point Pleasant made a decision to cancel a seafood festival because of the day’s events, Della Fave said.

Meanwhile, residents in Seaside Park hoped things would return to normal soon.

“I saw and heard it”, said Ben Currie, who snapped the image above.

Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-Toms River, described the Seaside Park community as military centered, with lots of veterans and active duty military personnel.