Explosive Devices Found in New York Suburb Apartment
Authorities were led to a White Plains apartment in suburban New York this week after reports of loud booms, where they discovered over two dozen improvised explosive devices, according to federal prosecutors. The investigation commenced following a tip that directed police to the apartment of Raymond Elders.
Upon entering the apartment early Monday, officers encountered 65-year-old Elders, whose hands bore a “blueish black chemical residue.” A lighter was also found in his possession, as detailed in a criminal complaint. Elders is now facing multiple charges, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction, the manufacturing of destructive devices, and possession of explosives, especially considering his previous felony convictions.
During his initial court appearance on Tuesday, a judge determined that Elders should stay in custody, identifying him as a potential flight risk and community threat. Sungso Lee, his federal public defender, has yet to provide any comments on the situation.
Neighbors had alerted police after hearing loud explosions. One resident mentioned that such sounds had been recurring for several weeks. Upon arriving at the scene, an officer was directed to Elders’ residence by a witness. The officer detected an “acrid, burning odor” and observed what appeared to be a pipe bomb on the steps of the building.
Inside the apartment, officers found Elders with another person. A thorough search revealed at least 25 improvised explosive devices, as stated in the complaint. Additionally, surveillance footage from earlier this month purportedly shows Elders on the sidewalk, holding and then lighting an explosive device, which he threw onto the street before fleeing. The footage captures an explosion seconds later.
