Texas Terrorist Blows Himself Up

Early Wednesday morning, Mark Anthony Conditt, the Texas terrorist responsible for a string of bombings in Austin, Texas blew himself up. As authorities zeroed in and moved near Conditt's vehicle, Conditt intentionally detonated an explosive device inside his car. It is beleived that Conditt was killed by the blast.

Conditt, a 23 year-old white man from Pflugerville, Texas. According to interim Austin Police Chief Brian Manly, 'Conditt never discussed terrorism or hatred as a possible motivation... Instead, the recording appeared to be the outcry of a very challenged young man.' What interim chief Manly fails to realize is individuals can both be troubled and commits acts of terror. But in his defense, it's difficult for white men to view other white men as terrorist, regardless of the severity of the trauma they inflict. 

The FBI and the Austin police found the terrorist in a hotel parking lot in Rock Round, Texas approximately 18 miles north of Austin. Manley told reporters that, "The man stopped on the side of Interstate 35 Frontage Road, and as Austin SWAT officers approached, he detonated a bomb, knocking one of the officers backward and injuring him."

Conditt was wanted for a string of bombings that took place from March 2nd to the 20th. The attacks killed two people. Austin authorities have not confirmed whether Conditt is responsible for all seven bombings in the area. Local law enforcement quickly made the connection between the first three bombings: all three bombings were not carried out by a postal service or delivery services and they were left overnight on the doorsteps.

Authorities are now trying to determine if Conditt acted alone. Interim Chief Manley reiterated, “We do not understand what motivated him to do what he did, and that will also be part of the continuing investigation as we try to learn more about him.” At present, we know Conditt intended to inflict harm on individuals and groups of individuals in Austin by sending explosive packages and ensuring they would detonate upon arrival. That knowledge alone should suffice for law enforcement officials and other media outlets to utilize the classification of terrorist to describe Conditt and his actions.