ATF on the search for ME Man who wants ANFO

[MKSheppard]

Linka

Feds search for man who tried to buy same explosive McVeigh used
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities searched Wednesday for a man using a Middle Eastern name and possible bogus construction credentials to try to purchase large quantities of the same explosive used by Timothy McVeigh to blow up the Oklahoma City federal building.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said there is no indication yet that terrorism is involved, but the agency is still checking information that came from a company in Canada that reported the attempted purchase as suspicious.

ATF is asking the fertilizer and explosives industries to help locate the man and to report any suspicious inquiries for the fertilizer chemical ammonium nitrate, which is used to make so-called fertilizer bombs.

"We're still running down leads. But we thought it would be prudent putting out an advisory to the fertilizer industry," said Tom Mangin, an ATF agent in Phoenix, where the investigation is centered.

The suspect also made several Internet email inquiries to vendors seeking to buy between 500 to 1,000 metric tons of the explosive — a quantity larger than McVeigh used to bomb the Oklahoma City federal building in April 1995 but smaller than amounts companies typically might buy in bulk for construction, explosives or farm work.

The International Society of Explosives Engineers, based in Cleveland, sent an e-mail Wednesday alerting its members and asking them to call ATF in Phoenix to report any suspicious activity.

"ATF has recently been made aware of a suspicious attempt by an individual to purchase mass quantities of ammonium nitrate, specifically between 500 to 1,000 metric tons," the alert said. "This individual, who uses a Middle Eastern name, purports to be a representative of a construction corporation. However, indications are that this is most likely false.

"The individual has previously made contact with other industry members via e-mail seeking the large amounts of 'fertilizer grade' ammonium nitrate," the alert said.

[Montcalm]

Maybe he has a huge farm and need this for his crop.

With that much AN what the hell he want to blow up

[Dennis Toy]

this was reported by the ATF, you guys know the ATF is nothing but a joke in the federal community.

[weemadando]

Look out!

There are things you need to FEEEEAAAAAR!

Oh, and increase our budget, you can obviously see we're still relevant.

[Illuminatus Primus]

Remember, your friendly neighborhood BATF is not the BATFE. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.