Van full of explosives found in Philadelphia following week of social unrest: Police

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020 WKXA

ABC News/WPVI-TVBy JON HAWORTH, ABC News

(PHILADELPHIA) — The city of Philadelphia is on high alert Thursday after authorities discovered a van filled with explosives and other suspicious cargo — including propane tanks, torches and possibly sticks of dynamite — on Wednesday night following two nights of protests and unrest after the shooting death of a Black man by police in West Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, according to ABC News’ Phildaelphia station WPVI-TV.

It is unclear how authorities came to be aware of the vehicle containing the explosives or who the owner or operator of the vehicle is but the bomb squad is on the scene and investigating.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced in a virtual press conference on Wednesday night that an undetermined number of Pennsylvania National Guard troops will begin arriving in Philadelphia on Friday to assist police.

“I have requested the assistance of the Pennsylvania National Guard,” said Kenney. “Their role, first and foremost, will be to safeguard property and prevent looting. They will also provide assistance for our police department and other operational departments as needed.”

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw also addressed the public in the virtual press conference and discussed the latest on the investigation into the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr., the use of police force and the recent unrest in the city.

“As I said yesterday, this investigation has many moving parts and we are working hard to ensure that a fair and thorough investigation takes place,” said Outlaw. “We plan on releasing premise history audio of 911 calls and body cam footage of the discharging officers in the near future.”

What started out as a peaceful protest of about 1,000 people at Malcolm X Park on Tuesday night ended up turning into violent activity against the police where at least 23 officers were left injured and, according to information gathered by WPVI, authorities say they had bricks and even blood thrown at them.

Meanwhile, the police union called for the release of the police body cam footage which they say will show that Walter Wallace Jr. failed to drop the knife as he was ordered repeatedly to do and instead lunged at officers with it.

“We’re calling on the city leadership to release the facts of this case, it’s not hard, it’s cut and dry. Release what you have,” said Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President John McNesby.

Commissioner Outlaw says they want the Wallace family to get the facts first.

“We will be meeting with members of Mr. Wallace’s family, to ensure they get an opportunity to view the materials first,” said Outlaw.