Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Wednesday the arrest of a man who allegedly tried to sell homemade dynamite tied to the ATM explosions in Philadelphia.
The detained man has been identified as 26-year-old Talib Crump, of Frankford and his arrest follows a sting operation carried out by the attorney general’s office, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department.
Prosecutors say Crump used Instagram for selling the explosives. When agents made contact with Crump to make a purchase, Crump allegedly left a message claiming that dynamite was the most effective method to blow up an ATM.
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“Over the past several days in Philadelphia, we have seen brave, courageous people practice their constitutional right to peacefully protest, all in the name of justice,” Shapiro said in an afternoon press conference. “We will not allow this movement to be co-opted by opportunists or people who cause violent distractions.”
Crump allegedly instructed the agent on how to place the sticks of dynamite and admitted to stealing approximately $8,500 from an ATM on June 1.
Crump is charged with one count of possession of weapons of mass destruction, one count of risking a catastrophe and related offenses.
According to city officials, over 50 ATMs in have been blown up since Saturday to steal the money inside.
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said officers have investigated 135 total explosions around the city since the weekend. The 50 ATMs are believed to have been blown up by M100 and M250 explosives.
“Most of these ATMs don’t have money in them,” said Outlaw. “We encourage businesses that have private ATMs to ensure the money is removed. It’s not worth it. It’s not worth the injuries or the danger it is imposing.”
Noticias Newswire
