Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Asian American man believed to have died in Virginia home explosion


James Yoo, right, is presumed to have died in the explosion, left, that destroyed his home.


Police identified the suspect inside an Arlington, Virginia, home that exploded Monday while police were executing a search warrant as resident James Yoo, 56, and said they are investigating “concerning” posts he allegedly made on social media.

A residence about five-miles from the Pentagon was totally destroyed by a large explosion that rocked neighboring homes.

Yoo is presumed to be dead, Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn said.

“Human remains have been located at the scene. The office of the Chief Medical Examiner will work to positively identify the individual and cause and manner of death,” Penn told reporters Tuesday.

The Arlington Police Department posted on Facebook the following report:

"At approximately 4:45 p.m. on December 4, the Arlington County Police Department was dispatched to the 800 block of N. Burlington Street for the report of possible shots heard," the post began. "The preliminary investigation indicated a suspect discharged a flare gun approximately 30 – 40 times from inside his residence into the surrounding neighborhood. No property damage or injuries were reported related to the discharge of the flare gun.

"During the course of the investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for the suspect's residence and attempted to make contact with the suspect over the telephone and through loudspeakers. The suspect did not respond and remained barricaded inside the residence. As officers were attempting to execute the search warrant, the suspect discharged several rounds, from what is believed to be a firearm, inside the home. Subsequently, at approximately 8:25 p.m., an explosion occurred at the residence. The investigation into the circumstances of the explosion are ongoing.

"The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. As of approximately 10:30 p.m., the fire is under control and crews continue to battle small spot fires.

"Three officers reported minor injuries and there were no transports to the hospital related to this incident. The investigation is ongoing."

An examination of Yoo's social media by authorities found that Yoo believed in conspiracy theories about government officials, law enforcement and media outlets.

An example of his postings reads:  “Would you agree the U.S. government is the biggest terrorist organization? And that you’re all gonna be Israel puppets soon?”

In another post he asserted that the Jan. 6 insurrection was orchestrated by "THEM." He posted: “THEY do not want an actual coup against THEM so THEY rig, orchestrate, and control a FAKE Jan 6th event riot and then RIG TRIALS to set FAKE PRECEDENCE in attempts to scare and control the People’s minds.”

Yoo called for the defunding of the FBI, the CIA, and the National Security AgencyYoo called for the defunding of the FBI, the CIA, and the National Security Agency.

He was known by the FBI for several calls complaining about alleged frauds targeting him. The FBI said they never opened an investigation on his allegations.

Neighbors said that Yoo lived alone in his duplex residence. Residents of the other duuplex unit were evacuated prior to the explosion by the police. 

Yoo was a self-employed landlord, according to
 WJLA. A George Mason University graduate, Yoo worked for several nearby tech companies.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me at Threads.net/eduardodiok@DioknoEd on Twitter or at the  blog Views From the Edge.


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