ATF Agent: Revenge Motivated Pipe Bomb Suspect

ATF Agent: Revenge Motivated Pipe Bomb Suspect


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Gene Kennedy reportingAccording to a special agent working the case, revenge motivated a man to allegedly set off a bomb in Salt Lake City's public library last month.

Authorities say Thomas Zajac set off a small pipe bomb in the public library because he had an ax to grind.

A special agent with ATF says Thomas Zajac was angry with Salt Lake Police because they arrested his son. Authorities arrested Zajac last week in Illinois.

His arrest came as Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Burbank received a threatening letter.

Det. Robin Snyder, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "It was addressed to him personally and it was threatening in nature."

Police have not said whether they believe the letter was sent by Zajac.

Police tracked him down through fingerprints they say he left on parts of the bomb.

He allegedly used a hobby-type rocket igniter to set off a small pipe bomb that blew a window on the third floor of the library. No one was injured, but hundreds of people had to evacuate the building.

Police in Illinois told the Deseret Morning News they are now looking at whether Zajac is connected to a few unsolved small bombings in the Chicago area. Federal agents say at this point, there's no evidence linking Zajac to other incidents.

Salt Lake City police may be making statements later this afternoon.

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