Federal, state and local partners investigating Sunday’s detonation of explosive devices outside two Las Cruces churches are urging vigilance and awareness as the faithful return to their places of worship this weekend.
The explosions outside Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church resulted in no injuries and relatively minor damage to the two buildings. However, the investigation leads detectives to believe the devices could have caused serious injury or death had someone been within close proximity at the time of detonation.
In the past few days, Las Cruces Police and other law enforcement agencies have met with several church-based groups and other organizations interested in heightening their security awareness in the wake of Sunday’s incidents. The most common piece of advice is for all residents to remain vigilant and attentive of their surroundings at all times, and immediately report any suspicious persons or behavior.
Anyone who sees a suspicious package, device or person should refrain from approaching. Residents are asked to call (575) 526-0795 or 911 immediately.
The multi-agency investigation into Sunday’s incidents is ongoing and the FBI continues to seek leads that could help identify the person or persons involved. Anyone with information that may be relevant is asked to call the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Crime Stoppers is now offering a total reward of $7,500 for information that leads to an arrest, or arrests, in these incidents. In an unprecedented move, the Deming, N.M., Crime Stoppers allocated $2,500 in addition to the $5,000 offered by Las Cruces Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information that can help identify the person or persons responsible can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a tip by text message to CRIMES (274637), keyword LCTIPS. The Crime Stoppers number and text messaging services are operational 24 hours a day and callers do not have to give a name to collect a reward.
The multi-agency investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the ATF, the Las Cruces Police Department, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico State University Police, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Information from Las Cruces Police Department.