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Officials have 2 explanations for explosion near Capitol
It turned out to be a test. Or, an accident?
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Authorities gave two explanations for an explosion near the Minnesota State Capitol this afternoon, a day before the start of the Republican National Convention: It was a test. Or, it was an accident.
Minnesota State Patrol spokesman Mark Peterson said a "response team" set off a "flash bang grenade" in the State Office Building parking ramp about noon. The device makes a loud noise, and is used by authorities upon entering a building to surprise occupants.
Peterson would not say what agency was testing the device. When asked why the testing was occurring a day before the RNC, Peterson said, "I don't have that information for you."
When asked if such tests would occur regularly throughout the RNC, he said, "Haven't got that for you right now."
St. Paul police spokesman Peter Panos said a State Patrol employee accidentally dropped his flash bang grenade near Rice Street and Aurora Avenue.
"It just accidentally went off," Panos said. "All it does is make a big noise."
It's unclear how the accident occurred.
CHAO XIONG
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Featured comment
Simple Really
Like all other grenades it is simple to figure out how the "flash bang" went off. Step 1: Remove grenade from pocket Step 2: Grasp in … read more hand Step 3: Remove Safety Clip - Retain grasp on spoon Step 4: Prepare to toss grenade Step 5: Toss Grenade Step 6: Spoon releases from Grenade Step 7: Fuse begins to burn - typically 3-5 seconds Step 8: Fuse ignites grenade body Step 9: Grenade body explodes - producing loud bang Step 10: Big fuss made over "flash bang" going off, while typically used in non-lethal situations to produce a shocking effect and stunning effect on intended targets; in order to gain upper hand. Typicall Uses Include Riot Control High Risk Entry Military Operations All uses designed to give Police/Law Enforcment/Military upper hand in the situation to regain control or give element of surprise to beginning of an offensive operation.
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