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By Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
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Two Utah men have been arrested on terrorism and weapons of mass destruction charges after federal authorities say they planted an incendiary device under a news van in Salt Lake City
Adeeb Nasir, 58, and his co-suspect identified as "Adil" were taken into custody following a multiagency investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Salt Lake City Police (SLCPD), according to reports from local news stations KUTV and ABC4.
Nasir faces eight felony counts including attempted aggravated arson and weapons of mass destruction violations.
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Newsweek reached out to the SLCPD and FBI via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
This incident represents a dangerous escalation in threats against news media, coming just days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10.
Kirk's fatal shooting has heightened security concerns across the state and college campuses nationwide, with experts warning of a continued attack on free speech and a subsequent epidemic of swatting calls targeting universities, particularly historically Black colleges and universities. At least eight HBCUs received threats this past week, forcing lockdowns and class cancellations in what authorities described as hoax calls designed to terrorize educational institutions.
The alleged targeting of a news outlet with an explosive device marks a serious domestic terrorism threat that could have far-reaching implications for press freedom and public safety in an increasingly polarized environment.
What To Know
According to local stations, the investigation began on Friday when the SLCPD and Unified Fire Authority bomb squads responded to reports of a suspicious device underneath a news media vehicle parked beside an occupied building.
Authorities confirmed the incendiary device was real and had been lit but failed to function as designed. The FBI assumed jurisdiction and tracked two suspects to a Magna, Utah, residence on the 2700 South block of 8500 West, approximately 15 miles west of Salt Lake City, where both men lived.
During a Saturday federal search warrant execution, authorities discovered two hoax weapons of mass destruction, firearms, illegal narcotics, and explosive components, ABC4 reported. When questioned, both suspects initially claimed the hoax devices were real, prompting evacuation of the residence and surrounding homes while bomb squads disposed of the items safely.
Adeeb Nasir faces eight felony charges including two first-degree felony counts for weapons of mass destruction violations and attempted aggravated arson, plus multiple counts related to explosive devices and terrorism threats, according to court documents obtained by the station.
Both men are "restricted persons" prohibited from possessing firearms due to illegal drug use, with Nasir also subject to a protective order. Additional evidence seized includes electronic devices believed to contain crime-related evidence.
What People Are Saying
Arrest documents obtained by ABC4 read: "The initial FBI search warrant authorized the seizure of evidence specifically related to the incendiary."
"However, during the course of executing that warrant, law enforcement personnel observed additional contraband and evidence of crimes outside the scope of the original warrant, to include firearms and firearm-related items, explosives and explosive-related components, illegal narcotics and associated paraphernalia, as well as electronic devices reasonably believed to contain evidence of the above-described crimes."
What Happens Next?
Nasir remains in Salt Lake County Jail without bail as the case moves through federal court proceedings, ABC4 confirmed.
Arrest documents for the second suspect "Adil" have not yet been released, though charges are expected to mirror those against Nasir.
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