An Episcopal priest was injured by an exploding package on Monday in Opelika, Alabama, located about 60 miles east of Montgomery. Federal agents from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said that the device was a homemade bomb that was made with murderous intent.
The priest survived the explosion by what one ATF Special Agent said as "sheer luck." The priest walked into his carport and found a box on the truck of his automobile. When he picked the box up, it exploded. It is believed that the priest was not the intended target of the device. The bomb, most likely, was meant for a retired ATF Special Agent that lives nearby.
ATF investigators said that the explosive device was a solid explosive that was inside of a cardboard box with the word, "U-Haul" printed on the side. The device was designed to explode when the box was moved or lifted. The Special Agent-In-Charge of the Birmingham ATF office said, "There's no question that bomb was put there to kill someone. It was a vicious device, an anti-personnel device, designed to kill, designed to murder." It is believed that the device was loaded with nails.
The priest is reported to be in good condition at a local hospital. Later, the ATF said that they believe that the bomb may have been an act of anti-government violence. A note was found near the bomb and included these words: "Alabama to unite against the ATF conspiracy." The ATF is continuing their investigation.