Multiple "suspicious package" explosions occurred in Austin, Texas on Monday. Local authorities believe the two explosions are connected with a similar incident that left one person dead earlier this month, ABC Newsreported. The first of two explosions Monday also killed a teen male and injured a "woman in her 40s."
Some have started pointing out purported patterns to the explosions, but police have thus far said only that there is not currently a "specific ideology or victimology" behind the apparent attacks.
"What we understand at this point is that earlier this morning, residents went out front, and there was a package on the front doorstep," Austin police chief Brian Manley told reporters Monday. "They brought that package inside the residence and as they opened that package, both victims were in the kitchen and the package exploded causing the injuries that resulted in the young man's death and the injuries to the adult female."
The packages are not believed to have been delivered via a mail service.
In a tweeted statement earlier Monday, Manley sent his condolences to the family of the most recent victim and warned residents to immediately call 911 if an unexpected package arrived at their doorstep. "This type of crime will not be tolerated in Austin," he said.
Given the victims' races, authorities said, there's a "possibility" these will be considered hate crimes. At the time of this writing, the only victim who has been identified is 39-year-old Anthony Stephan House. He died in the initial March 2 explosion, according toCNN. Additional details, including the makeup of the explosive devices, have not been confirmed.
The South by Southwest Conference and Festivals kicked off in Austin Friday night and runs through Tuesday. In a statement Monday afternoon, reps for SXSW said they were "heartbroken" by the explosions:
This story will be updated.
