MOUNT KISCO, NY – A quiet suburban neighborhood was shattered earlier this week when a Mount Kisco residence was firebombed in what authorities are calling a targeted act of violence stemming from a long-running business feud. Damjan Stanivukovic and Vladamir Radunovic were arrested on January 13th and face serious federal charges after allegedly orchestrating the attack.
According to federal prosecutors, on January 11th, Stanivukovic and Radunovic drove from Rockland County to Westchester County in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee and detonated a homemade explosive device in the driveway of the victim’s home. Shortly after the explosion, the victim received a chilling text message: a “final warning.” The attack left investigators combing the scene for evidence, eventually uncovering a box bearing Stanivukovic’s name and address, along with a 2.5-gallon gasoline can.
The motive, authorities say, centers around a contentious legal dispute between Stanivukovic, who owns a contracting company, and the victim. The animosity apparently escalated to the point where Stanivukovic and Radunovic allegedly plotted not only to terrorize the victim but to physically harm him. During a search of Stanivukovic’s residence, law enforcement seized a disturbing cache of weapons – multiple loaded firearms – as well as materials matching those used to construct the destructive device and detailed instructions on how to manufacture explosives.
“Damjan Stanivukovic and Vladamir Radunovic allegedly tried to resolve a contentious business relationship with threats of violence and a homemade bomb,” stated James Smith, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI. “While business deals aren’t always successful, neither are overt acts of violence that bring forth federal charges.” Thankfully, no one was injured in the attack, but the incident has left the community shaken.
Both Stanivukovic and Radunovic have been charged with one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking. They were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik on January 13th and are currently being held without bail. Bryan DiGirolamo, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s New York Field Division, emphasized, “Perpetuating violence against others, under any context, is unacceptable behavior.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the ATF, FBI, Bedford Police Department, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. Bedford Police Chief Melvin Padilla hailed the swift apprehension of the suspects, stating it was “thanks to the diligent work of our detectives and the cooperation and assistance from our federal partners.” The case remains under investigation, and further charges are possible. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Damian Williams, is prosecuting the case.
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