President Trump has been briefed an intentional explosion in downtown Nashville.
“President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured.”
The vehicle explosion that rattled downtown Nashville Christmas morning and damaged several buildings is believed to be intentional.
The call came in at about 6:30 a.m. Christmas morning outside 166 2nd Avenue North, about a block away from Broadway. The area is closed right now, police say.
Nashville Fire Department's EOC call this an "intentional bombing incident."
Metro Police said the explosion is linked to a vehicle. The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the FBI, ATF and local agencies.
"The cause of the explosion is under investigation with help from federal authorities. MNPD will share updates as they become available and is restricting downtown traffic. Be safe Nashville. Thank you to our emergency personnel for your quick response," Mayor Cooper tweeted.
Gov. Bill Lee said the state will provide any resources necessary to determine what happened and who is responsible.
Metro Police rushed to get people to safety before the vehicle exploded.
Officers responded to shots fired call and spotted a suspicious RV parked outside 166 2nd Ave. North. Chief John Drake said the RV was making announcements warning that the bomb would detonate in 15 minutes and a bomb squad was called in.
Officers immediately began going door to door, evacuating apartments.