FBI on Key Bridge destruction: ‘No information to suggest ties to terrorism at this time’
Along with the myriad of first responders on the scene at yesterday’s horrific collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, were representatives from the FBI. It didn’t take long for conspiracy theorists to begin spreading disinformation regarding how and why the majestic and iconic bridge collapsed. And it took only hours after the catastrophe occurred for Maryland Governor Wes Moore to issue a statement at yesterday’s press conference confirming that he had already been in touch with the FBI – who informed him that the cargo ship “Dali” that crashed into the bridge was not the result of a terrorist attack.
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Also yesterday, the FBI announced that there was “no specific and credible information to suggest any ties to terrorism at this time. The investigation is ongoing. FBI Baltimore will continue to support our partners at the local, state, and federal levels.”
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge, William J. DelBagno, added yesterday that, “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially to the victims and their families. On behalf of the FBI, I would like to say we are with you and with the families involved.”
The FBI has had a significant presence on the scene following the destruction yesterday, with their units including FBI Baltimore, the Bureau’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), the FBI Washington Field Office (WFO). Additionally, the FBI Laboratory deployed the following personnel to assist the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MTAP) following yesterday’s catastrophic bridge collapse:
- Supervisory special agents
- Linguists
- Victim specialists
- Public information officer
- Airport/port liaison special agent
- Various task force officers
- WFO Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team divers
- FBI Laboratory Divers
Just today, the FBI released the following statement:
“The FBI’s focus remains on the victims and all the families directly impacted by this tragedy. We grieve along with them, and along with all of Maryland,” said William J. DelBagno, special agent in charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Our strength and resiliency are tested in times of crisis. But know the FBI is united with our partners and we will continue to provide any tool, resource or support necessary, every step of the way.”
With water temperatures in the frigid Patapsco River currently in the 40s, and with the length of time that the six construction workers who went down with the bridge had already spent in the water, we also learned yesterday that the missing six construction workers who were the targets of a search and rescue operation are now considered to have perished. That search and rescue has now evolved into a search and recovery of the bodies.
Divers are currently in the water. For the latest updates regarding the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, see the video accompanying this article.
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(Source: FBI)
(Cover photo: Twitter)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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