Ahmad Rahami, the naturalized 28-year-old native of Afghanistan hunted in connection with a series of bombings in New York City and New Jersey over the weekend, has been charged with five counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer after a gun battle that left two officers wounded, officials said. Rahami was taken into custody earlier Monday after the shootout that left Angel Padilla and Peter Hammer injured.
Authorities found similarities in the explosive devices recovered in New York and New Jersey, connecting some of the dots between the multiple incidents over the weekend. The bombs in New York and Seaside Park, New Jersey, utilized flip phones, although there were differences in design between the devices.
President Barack Obama worked to calm Americans' jitters Monday after a series of attempts at mass violence, suggesting that yielding to fear amounted to a win for terrorists. "I think it is important to remember what terrorists and violent extremists are trying to do.
Jersey Shore beaches were reopened Sunday as an investigation continued into a pipe bomb explosion at a seaside community before thousands of runners were to participate in a charity 5K race to benefit Marines and sailors. Officials would not say if they believe the Saturday afternoon blast in Seaside Park was terror-related but said it didn't appear to be connected to an explosion that rocked a crowded Manhattan neighborhood Saturday night, injuring 29 people.
Law enforcement officers stand on D Street in Seaside Park, N.J. on Sept. 17, 2016, during the investigation of an explosive device that detonated in a garbage pail before a charity race to benefit military soldiers.