After a suspicious bundle of white cylindrical objects with wires was discovered at a bus stop, downtown Louisville has been closed off.
The suspicious item, which was discovered concealed under a bench at the intersection of 5th Street and Jefferson Street on Friday morning, comprised five white cylinders marked “Bomb 1 and 2.”
Who found the explosives and who detonated them at the bus stop are both unknown.
Just before noon, the LMPD said that they were “inspecting the item” and “actively canvassing” the neighborhood.
While the bomb squad of the LMPD investigates the event, many streets have been closed. The Jefferson neighborhood between Third and Sixth Streets has been advised to remain inside.
Police officers in riot gear and members of a SWAT squad are scouring the neighborhood for “any other possible threats.”
The robot that the bomb squad deployed from an armored truck can be seen rolling toward the alleged devices in video footage from WLKY’s Mark Vanderhoff. Additionally, the robot was spotted putting the explosives in a dark container.
In order to check for more possible explosives nearby, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is apparently also examining into garbage cans in the neighborhood.
The robot placed the alleged explosives in a bucket, which was later recovered by an officer wearing a “blast suit.”
Men in hazmat suits are apparently examining the area, and a Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) has reportedly also arrived.
According to WLKY, the bus stop is close to City Hall and Metro Hall and situated in a busy area.
Out of an abundance of caution, the LMPD has also delayed its recruit graduation that was planned to take place at Metro Hall.
For more on this breaking story, come return soon.