Arrests in Utah Bomb Plot Targeting News Vehicle

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local bomb squad, coordinated the response. Investigations continue to assess the scope of the threat.

UTAH — Two men face federal and state charges after authorities discovered an incendiary device under a news media vehicle in Salt Lake City. The incident occurred on September 12, 2025, where a news crew reported on developments following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, approximately 40 miles south.

The device had been lit but malfunctioned, preventing detonation. A subsequent raid on the suspects' residence on September 13 uncovered two hoax weapons of mass destruction, two firearms, illegal narcotics, explosives components, and electronic devices.

The arrests followed on September 14. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local bomb squad, coordinated the response. Investigations continue to assess the scope of the threat.

The discovery prompted an immediate evacuation and multi-agency response. Affidavits detail how the device was affixed beneath the undercarriage of the news van parked in a public lot. Unified Fire Authority investigators confirmed the fuse had been lit, but the mechanism jammed, averting harm.

The van's occupants noticed smoke and an unusual odor, prompting a call to authorities around 2:00 p.m. local time. Bomb technicians neutralized the device on site.

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses captured two individuals approaching the vehicle earlier that morning. The news crew focused on interviewing witnesses to Kirk's death. Emergency responders cleared the area within 30 minutes.

Incident Details