(FBI)
The FBI has released a photo of two men the bureau is trying to identify in connection with its Chelsea bombing investigation. The FBI says that the above photo was taken from closed circuit television recordings, which appear to show the men taking a piece of luggage, which contained an improvised explosive device. They took out the device, but left it at the scene. They left with the baggage.
The image was taken on W 27th street between 6th and 7th avenue between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on September 17. That was the same hour that a device exploded on W 23rd Street, injuring 29 people. The men are not wanted as suspects, as the FBI released a “Seeking Information” poster instead of a “Wanted” poster. The FBI considers them “witnesses.”
On September 28, ABC News reported that the FBI has identified the men, but they have not released their names publicly. Law enforcement officials told ABC News that the men are Egyptian pilots and it is believed that they have already returned to Egypt. The FBI has also released another photo of the men.
Ahmad Khan Rahimi is the suspect in that bombing and was arrested by police. He faces several federal charges, including using weapons of mass destruction and bombing a place of public use.
“The FBI is interested in speaking to these individuals and recovering the luggage,” the FBI says. ABC News reports that police said before that the men were “just strolling up and down 7th avenue at the time” and it didn’t appear that they are linked to Rahimi’s plot.
If you have any information on who these men might be, the FBI is asking that you call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or contact a local FBI office.
