Man Behind Nashville Bombing, Domestic Terrorism, Tennessee 2020

Nashville, Tennessee – April 20, 2021 – A man detonated an explosive device inside a recreational vehicle in downtown Nashville on December 25, 2020, resulting in the suspect’s death and injuring eight citizens. The explosion damaged dozens of buildings in the surrounding area.

The suspect’s actions were a stark reminder that the safety of our communities can never be taken for granted, said OJP Acting Assistant Attorney General Maureen A. Henneberg. Funding for the response to this public safety emergency is a welcome relief for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

The Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, has awarded more than $1.3 million to the State of Tennessee to offset deficits and cover unbudgeted law enforcement duties. This grant will help the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department continue its operations without major interruption.

Already fiscally impacted by the pandemic, the response to community-wide demonstrations and the effects of a devastating tornado earlier in the year, the city will use this grant to cover overtime expenses that have placed considerable financial hardship on the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

“The number of critical incidents responded to in 2020, all of which required a sustained and long-term response, greatly impacted the operational budget of our district’s largest municipal police department,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart. “These funds will help offset deficits and allow police operations to continue without major interruption.”

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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