The FBI is looking for a potential person of interest following an explosion outside of a local NAACP chapter in Colorado Springs, Colorado. No one was injured in Tuesday's blast around 10:45 a.m. local time.
The FBI said an improvised explosive device detonated next to a gas can and against the exterior wall of a building that houses the NAACP chapter and the Mr. G's Hair Design Studios. The gas can did not ignite, but left minimal charring on the building.
It was too soon to know if the nation's oldest civil rights organization was the target of the act, FBI spokeswoman Amy Sanders told The Associated Press. A possible person of interest was described as a balding white man in his 40s who may be driving a dirty, white pickup truck which could have an open tailgate or a missing or covered license plate. Colorado Springs police deferred requests for comment to the FBI.
The president of the local NAACP chapter, Henry Allen Jr., told NBC affiliate KOAA that "apparently we are doing something correct" — suggesting the attack was targeted at his organization.
"Apparently we have the attention of someone that knows we are working for civil rights for all," he said. "That is making some people uncomfortable, so therefore they feel the need to target."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI Denver tip line at 303-435-7787.
