The Nashville mayor hailed the police officers in Friday morning’s blast as “incredible heroes” who rushed into danger to save lives.
Mayor John Cooper said the six local agents took “swift action” to evacuate people in the center of town when a parked motor home issued a warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes.
“These incredible heroes who were in danger with uncertain outcomes ahead of them were responsible for saving so many injuries,” Cooper said at an evening press conference.
The brave agents “took quick action and sent people away to save lives – even when their own lives would have been in danger.”
“They are heroes and I am grateful to them.”
The agents had responded to reports of “gunfire” in downtown Nashville when they came across the RV and heard the chilling recording.
They evacuated nearby buildings and called the bombing department – and the vehicle exploded shortly afterwards.
Three people were injured in the explosion and were in stable condition, officials said.
Human remains were found near the scene, CBS News and The Associated Press reported, citing law enforcement sources.
It is not yet clear whether the remains came from someone associated with the blast or from a victim. Authorities did not say if anyone was in the vehicle when it exploded.
When asked about the reports of remains, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said that “we have found tissues that we think may be remains.”
The “tissues” have yet to be examined, the chief told reporters.
At least 41 buildings were damaged in the bombing, which officials said was a deliberate act. Authorities said many people were displaced.
“This morning’s attack on our community was designed to create chaos and fear in this season of hope,” said the mayor.
Authorities “will not rest until those responsible for this outrageous and cowardly attack are brought to justice,” Cooper added.
“The Nashville spirit can’t be broken … We can rebuild and get back to normal.”
A curfew has been imposed in the area affected by the explosion until 4:30 PM on Sunday.