By Audrey Bernstein ’20  

Five explosions have detonated in Texas since March 2. As of now, the explosions have  killed two and injured five others. The bombing suspect, identified as Mark Anthony Conditt early Wednesday morning, killed himself with an explosive device inside his car as police pursued him, according to authorities.

“It’s scary waking up with calls from your family and friends asking about your condition because they’ve heard of another explosion,” Ian Offenberg ’16, student at the University of Texas at Austin, said.

Mallory Legg ’20 is concerned for her own brother’s safety, as he also lives in Austin, where several blasts have exploded. “I texted my brother as soon as I heard about what was going on,” Legg said.

At least 500 police and officials of law enforcement continue to investigate the explosions, making this the largest police investigation since the terror attack at the Boston Marathon in 2013, according to Congressman Michael McCaul.  

Although Conditt’s death concluded the search for a suspect, Austin police urge citizens to remain cautious of packages. “We don’t know where this suspect has spent his last 24 hours, and therefore we still need to remain vigilant to ensure that no other packages or devices have been left throughout the community,” Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said to CNN.

It remains unclear whether the Texas explosions were acts of terrorism. Terrorism is characterized as an act of violence carried out in order to evoke political or social change. Police have not yet determined the motives behind the attacks.

“It’s definitely concerning that something so serious is happening here in Austin,” Austin resident Lulu Stracher ’17 said.

Legg expressed similar concern. “I honestly just want to know a motive, so that I can feel some closure in why someone would would do this.”