Political violence is increasing. And it’s getting scary out there.
Now the FBI arrested two in a stunning bomb plot in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
FBI Arrests Two in Utah Bomb Plot Targeting FOX 13 News Vehicle
The FBI arrested Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir, 31, in Magna, Utah, after an incendiary device was discovered under a FOX 13 News vehicle in Salt Lake City.
The device, found parked near an occupied building, had been lit but “failed to function as designed,” according to court records cited by CBS affiliate KUTV.
The Salt Lake City Police Bomb Squad and Unified Fire Authority Arson/Bomb Squad confirmed its authenticity, prompting the FBI to assume jurisdiction due to the significant public safety threat. A search warrant executed at the suspects’ residence uncovered two hoax weapons of mass destruction, two firearms, bomb-making equipment, illegal narcotics, and electronic devices believed to contain evidence of crimes.
Both men, prohibited from possessing firearms due to protective orders, face charges including threat of terrorism, possessing weapons of mass destruction, and possessing explosive devices.
They are detained without bail in Salt Lake County Jail. FOX 13 Station Manager Leona Wood stated, “FOX 13 News is working closely with law-enforcement and our risk management team, with the safety of our employees as our top priority.”
Rising Tide of Political Violence
The attempted bombing of a FOX 13 News vehicle, occurring just two days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, 41 miles south of Salt Lake City, underscores a disturbing escalation in political violence in the United States.
The placement of a real explosive device under a media vehicle, coupled with the discovery of a sign at the suspects’ home reading “Is he dead yet”—an apparent reference to a political figure—suggests a targeted act motivated by ideological animus.
This incident follows a pattern of increasing politically motivated attacks, including Kirk’s killing, where the suspect etched anti-fascist slogans on bullet casings, and other recent events like the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion in April 2025.
Such acts reflect a growing willingness to use violence to silence or intimidate perceived opponents, threatening public safety and democratic discourse. The absence of a clear motive in the FOX 13 case, as noted by authorities, does not diminish the chilling effect of such actions on media and public figures operating in a polarized climate.
Accountability in a Polarized Climate
The swift response by the FBI and local authorities to the FOX 13 bomb plot highlights the necessity of robust law enforcement action to counter rising political violence.
The arrests of Adeeb and Adil Nasir, following the discovery of dangerous materials and their violation of protective orders, demonstrate a commitment to neutralizing threats before they escalate further.
The incident’s proximity to Kirk’s assassination amplifies concerns about coordinated or inspired acts targeting media and conservative figures, as evidenced by the suspects’ possession of bomb-making materials and firearms.
The evacuation of nearby residences due to the “significant risk of mass casualties” proved the potential for widespread harm. This case reflects broader efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring that acts of violence or attempted violence face severe legal consequences, regardless of ideological motivations, to deter future attacks and maintain public safety in an increasingly volatile environment.
