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It Was A Bomb That Exploded At The Jewish Center In Santa Monica, FBI Seeks Suspect
Initial investigative conclusions have been revised, determining that an explosion at the Chabad House in Santa Monica on Thursday was, in fact, an intentional act caused by a pipe bomb. Officials are now searching for suspect Ron Hirsch (aka Israel Fisher), a transient known by police to frequent Jewish centers in the area, including Congregation Bais Yehuda on North La Brea Avenue, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Ron Hirsch, also known as "Israel Fisher." (Courtesy Santa Monica Police Department)
Hirsch is described as white, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 207 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He is sought on multiple charges including possessing a destructive device, and "should be considered extremely dangerous," per a police bulletin sent to law enforcement agencies, reports the LA Times.Law enforcement sources told the LA Times that gun powder was one of the items found in the device:
"The blast sent a 300-pound metal pipe encased in concrete hurtling through the air and crashing through the roof of a home next door to Chabad House. Originally authorities had said they believed the explosion was a freak industrial accident. But on Friday, bomb technicians and detectives scouring the scene discovered evidence that the blast was caused by an explosive device, police said. Items found nearby were linked to Hirsch..."
The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have joined local authorities in investigating the case. The motive for the attack is unknown. The Anti-Defamation League issued a security alert to synagogues and other Jewish organizations in the Los Angeles area on Friday afternoon.
Notes KTLA, a $1,000 reward is being offered for tips on Hirsch's whereabouts. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact detectives at 310-458-8427.
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