Pipe Bomb Interrupts Marine Charity Race In New Jersey

by Rachel Stoltzfoos

A bomb inside a trash can exploded Saturday morning in a New Jersey town on the route where thousands of runners were preparing to run a 5K Marine Corps charity race.

The third annual Seaside Semper Five run was canceled, and police are investigating a report of another bomb, reports CBS. Runners had been scheduled to pass through the intersection around the time when the plastic trash can exploded, but the start was delayed because someone found an unattended backpack.

“It would have been right on the race course,” Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastrony told reporters.

No one was injured in the blast, which happened around 9:30 a.m. in Seaside Park. Police put the area of the blast on lockdown and are investigating a report of another bomb.

https://t.co/RFH4AkPfhV Pipe Bomb Explodes At Marine Charity Run In New Jersey #NWO https://t.co/2KDRPQ8ZXf pic.twitter.com/4rZVujwlcV

— NWO Stop (@NwoStop) September 17, 2016

“At this time the area is on lock down while bomb dogs search for additional devices,” Mastrony said in a Facebook post. “There is a report of at least one other device which the NJSP will make safe. Please avoid the area.”

Authorities found two more bombs that did not explode inside the trash can.

The race is put on to benefit the Marine Corps and the MARSOC Foundation, which supports active duty and medically retired Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command personnel and their families, as well as the families of fallen Marines.

“Out of extreme precaution, this year’s Seaside Semper Five has been canceled due to an unidentified suspicious backpack found at the race site,” the run organizers said in a Facebook post announcing the cancellation. “The safety and security of our participants, spectators, staff and volunteers is of utmost importance. We’d like to thank the Seaside Park Police Department, all the first responders and emergency personnel for their quick action.”

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