ATTORNEY General Josh Shapiro arrested a crazed bomb-maker who is accused of selling dynamite to nearby rioters who in turn used them to blow up ATM machines throughout the Philadelphia region, Your Content is first to report.
The criminal is accused of attempting to sell illegal, homemade dynamite in the Philadelphia area. Office of Attorney General agents — in partnership with the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department — staged a sting operation that resulted in the charge and arrest of Talib Crump, 26, in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.
“Over the past several days in Philadelphia, we have seen brave, courageous people practice their constitutional right to peacefully protest — all in the name of justice,” said Attorney General Shapiro in Wednesday’s press conference. “I will not let violence hijack this righteous cause, at this important moment, when thousands of people in our streets are calling for change. We will not allow this movement to be co-opted by opportunists or people who cause violent distractions.”
The defendant was advertising sticks of dynamite for sale on Instagram. Agents initiated contact to make a purchase, and during the negotiation of the sale, Crump left a voicemail alleging that dynamite was the most effective method to blow up an ATM and steal its contents.The defendant then instructed the agent on how to properly place the sticks of dynamite to quickly destroy an ATM.
Crump also told the agent that the previous night, June 1, he blew up several ATMs and stole approximately $8,500 from one machine.Crump is being charged with one count of possession of weapons of mass destruction, one count of risking a catastrophe, one count of criminal use of a communication facility, and related charges.
The arrest comes as a result of a partnership between the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force, Bureau of Narcotics Investigations and Organized Crime Section, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Philadelphia Police Department.
This is an ongoing investigation. All charges discussed are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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