Metro Nashville Police and other authorities are calling an explosion that erupted in downtown Nashville on Christmas morning “an intentional act.”
Police responded to reports of gunfire around 6 a.m. CST when they found a suspicious vehicle parked near the AT&T building close to 2nd Avenue North and Commerce Street. Metro Nashvile Police spokesperson Don Aaron said officers called for the bomb squad to come check out the area when around 30 minutes later, an explosion occurred.
Authorities say no one was killed in the explosion and three people were hospitalized with injuries.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper came to assess the area not too long after the incident, saying he estimates around 20 buildings to have been damaged.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said in a statement that the state will provide the resources necessary to determine who was responsible for the explosion and the other details needed in the investigation.
The investigation is currently in the hands of the FBI and the ATF, and Metro Nashville Police will be assisting with information, according to officials.
Many country artists have heard the news and have been sending all of their love and prayers toward the city of Nashville.
“Woke up to the news about the explosion in Nashville. Praying for our 1st responders and all of those affected by this,” Michael Ray tweeted just hours after the explosion.
Cassadee Pope commented on how close to home the explosion was for her, and the terrifying moment she felt the incident.
“Our house shook here in Nashville. Following the info on socials and the news but just praying nobody was hurt. Seems like it was an explosion of some sort downtown,” she wrote on her socials.
This is a developing story and Sounds Like Nashville will follow up with any updates as they come in.