 The American-Statesman reports the arrest of Paul Ross Evans (left) , 27, of Austin for the attempted bombing of an Austin clinic that provides abortion care.
Law enforcement officials made the announcement at a news conference this afternoon.
"Our initial estimates are that the device could have caused serious injury or death within a hundred-foot radius," Assistant Police Chief David Carter said. "I do believe the threat has been removed."
Evans made an initial appearance before a federal magistrate this afternoon. Evans, who was crying, had an attorney appointed for him.
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The bomb was in a soft-side insulated cooler and contained 2 pounds of nails, a battery, a 12-inch piece of copper pipe, a mechanical timer and a propane cylinder, according to an affidavit from an FBI agent that was used to arrest Evans.
Inside the pipe was potassium nitrate, which can be used to manufacture gunpowder, and a type of sugar called dextrin, the affidavit says.
There was also a device that would detonate the bomb ...
Federal charges lodged against Evans include "using weapons of mass destruction, attempting to damage a building used in interstate commerce and attempting to damage a facility because it provides reproductive health services."
Law enforcement agents tracked Evans down so quickly because, like most others of his ilk, he apparently entertains more deep convictions than deep thoughts. Officers were able to trace the bomb materials to a Lowe's in Lufkin and a Wal-Mart in Austin -- where they were paid for with a credit card.
The specific nature of the charges indicates official recognition of anti-abortion violence for what it is -- terrorism. And it's about time.
Photo: American-Statesman
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