The RV at the center of the Christmas morning bombing in downtown Nashville had a warning telling officials that the bomb would detonate in minutes.
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Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said police were responding to a report of shots fired when they encountered the recreational vehicle with a recording that said a potential bomb was to detonate in 15 minutes.
“Officers upon hearing that, decided to evacuate the buildings nearby, so they began knocking on doors, making announcements, having emergency communications, communicating with everyone to get people safe,” Drake said. “Shortly after that, the RV exploded.”
Surveillance video that appeared to be recorded from across the street included the warning, “… if you can hear this message, evacuate now.”
The blast was captured on the surveillance video seconds later.
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The explosion damaged several buildings and at least three people were injured. Mayor of Nashville John Cooper said the city was “lucky” since it was 6:30am on Christmas day which meant the streets were evacuated. The damage the mayor said was “limited but dramatic.”
