The residents of Arlington in Northern Virginia, USA, were left shaken after a house in the neighbourhood caught fire and exploded
50-year-old James Yoo, rumoured to be battling with mental illness, is said to have been at the centre of the incident
FBI investigate Northern Virginia explosion
A significant explosion, audible throughout Arlington, occurred in the Bluemont neighbourhood following a police standoff at a duplex. The suspect James Yoo, now presumed dead, engaged in an incident with the police, fired a flare gun over Fields Park before the explosion. According to CCN, James Yoo is thought to be dead, as they found remains in the burned home.
Residents were instructed to shelter or evacuate as the suspect fired shots as officers approached, leading to the explosion. Emergency services responded, and the ATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) was involved in the investigation.
The explosion caused minor injuries, and firefighters battled residual fires for hours. Witnesses described the shock and aftermath of the blast. Lawmakers, including Rep. Don Beyer and Del. Patrick Hope, monitored and acknowledged the emergency response. The incident began with reports of shots heard, and the suspect discharged a flare gun earlier in the day. Explosive ordnance disposal units were deployed, and some details about the suspect James Yoo came to light.
Who is James Yoo?
James Yoo is a 56-year-old with a troubled mental health history. According to neighbours, he faced a crisis amid his divorce and has struggled with alcohol abuse and legal battles. Described as a former security specialist, he rarely interacted with neighbours until a disturbing incident involving projectiles and gunfire unfolded on North Burlington Street, leading to a barricade situation.
Authorities claim he “previously communicated with the FBI via phone calls, online tips and letters over a number of years.” Dave Sundberg, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington field office, said:
“I would characterize these communications as primarily complaints about alleged frauds he believed were perpetrated against him.” Sundberg added, “The nature of those communications did not lead to the FBI opening any investigations.”