Identity of Austin Bombing Suspect Released
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Law enforcement officials released the identify of the suspected Austin bomber Wednesday who killed himself after carrying out a series of attacks throughout the city.
The suspect, 24-year-old Mark Anthony Conditt, a resident of Pflugerville, Texas, self detonated an explosive after being confronted by SWAT officers off of Interstate 35.
One officer is said to have fired at the vehicle at the time of the blast while another was injured in the explosion.
Police initially located Conditt at a Round Rock area hotel after using what was described as “cell phone technology” – a potential reference to an IMSI-catcher device.
Conditt, who was not previously known to law enforcement, first came up on the radar of police after surveillance camera footage was recovered from a FedEx store in which an unexploded bomb was discovered.
Images from the surveillance footage shows Conditt wearing gloves and what appears to be a wig.
The video led police to obtain purchase receipts and a warrant for Conditt’s Google search history, both of which were deemed suspicious.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott revealed Wednesday that Conditt lived with several roommates, all of whom are being questioned by investigators. Abbott also said a “treasure trove” of information was found at Conditt’s residence.
Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said during a Wednesday morning press conference that investigators are still looking for a motive.
“We do not understand what motivated him to do what he did” but “we believe this individual is responsible for all incidents dating back to March 2,” Manley said during an early morning press conference.
Manley also warned that other explosives could be present and that investigators are attempting to rule out the possibility of any accomplices.
Conditt was alleged to have been responsible for five explosions since March 2, resulting in two deaths and other injuries. An unexploded bomb was also found Tuesday at a FedEx distribution center in Austin.