Explosive Device Discovered Under Utah TV News Van — Two Arrested

By Atlantic Insider Staff

In a chilling development out of Salt Lake City, Utah, law enforcement officials say an explosive device was found under a TV news van — sparking a high-tension response involving bomb squads, the FBI, and a full evacuation of the surrounding neighborhood. Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident. Here’s what we know so far.

What Happened

On Friday, authorities discovered an explosive device placed under a van belonging to KSTU Fox 13 News in Utah. According to court records, the device had been lit but failed to detonate.

FBI agents and local bomb squads responded to a residence in Magna, just northwest of Salt Lake City, where a major search and evacuation took place.

The Arrests: Who’s in Custody

Two men have been arrested:

• Adeeb Nasir, 58
• Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir, 31

Both were taken into custody Friday night after explosives and other weapons were found during a search of their residence.

What Else Was Found

Authorities recovered more than just the one device. The raid also revealed:

• Explosives and firearms inside the home
• Narcotics and drug paraphernalia
• “Hoax weapons of mass destruction” that required bomb squad disposal
• Anti-Trump signage on the property (connection to motive unconfirmed)

Possible Motive & Connections (Still Unclear)

Investigators have not yet confirmed whether this incident is related to the recent killing of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk, which occurred earlier this week at Utah Valley University, roughly 45 minutes away.

While the presence of political signs may suggest ideological motives, no direct link has been publicly established.

Law Enforcement Response

The FBI coordinated with local police and bomb squads to:

• Evacuate the surrounding area during the search
• Secure the KSTU news van and remove the explosive
• Dispose of other suspicious materials found inside the home

The use of an actual explosive, coupled with fake weapons of mass destruction, elevated the situation into a full-blown domestic threat investigation.

Key Questions Now Being Investigated

Authorities are actively pursuing answers to several urgent questions:

• Was this politically motivated terrorism?
• Is there any operational or ideological link to Charlie Kirk’s shooting?
• Were the suspects acting alone or part of a larger network?
• Were media workers or outlets deliberately targeted?

Community Reaction

News crews and residents in Magna were left stunned. A news van — typically used to report crime and cover breaking stories — became the centerpiece of one. The community has voiced concerns about the growing political tensions and dangers faced by journalists.

Preliminary Charges

The suspects are expected to face charges related to possession of:

• Explosive devices
• Illegal firearms
• Narcotics

Additional federal charges are likely depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

What’s Next

Federal investigators and local police will:

• Examine digital evidence, including communications and internet activity
• Investigate possible links to extremism or prior criminal records
• Release further updates to the public as more evidence emerges

Meanwhile, law enforcement has not ruled out the possibility of future threats and has increased monitoring of politically charged activity in the area.

Conclusion

While no one was injured in this incident, the message it sends is clear: politically charged violence is no longer confined to social media rants or protests — it’s making its way to the doorsteps of journalists and into the neighborhoods of everyday Americans.

The explosive under the news van didn’t go off — but the alarm it triggered across Utah and the nation certainly did.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as we continue to track the investigation.