Explosive device detonates at empty Oregon prosecutor’s office

MEDFORD, Ore. – An explosive device that police say was designed to destroy an Oregon county prosecutor’s office instead blew out windows in a predawn blast Wednesday that did little other damage and caused no injuries.

The FBI said it was too early to say whether the blast in Jackson County was terror-related, but Medford police Chief Tim George said he considered the explosion a domestic terror attack aimed at law enforcement.

“I think it is domestic terrorism, absolutely,” George said. “Anytime part of the justice system is singled out in this type of event, this type of device and intent, absolutely.”

Greg Fowler, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon, said in a statement that the explosive device clearly targeted a government facility.

“An attack on such a visible symbol of government and justice demands our singular focus,” he said.

The device, fashioned in part from a 5-gallon propane tank, failed to fully detonate, authorities said.

George said there were no suspects and no indications of the motive or message from the person who set the device.

“The bomb squad on scene said had it detonated, there would have been devastation at the scene and the building would have been destroyed.” Medford police spokesman Lt. Mike Budreau said. No one was inside the building when the blast hit around 4:30 a.m.