The Austin package explosions are getting more sophisticated - and authorities say there's a 'serial bomber'

Reuters

Authorities maintain a cordon near the site of an incident reported as an explosion in southwest Austin, Texas, U.S. March 18, 2018.

• Austin Police Chief Brian Manley confirmed that the latest explosion in Austin that injured two men was caused by a tripwire, and that it showed "a higher level of sophistication" and skill.
• Preliminary evidence shows that there are similarities between Sunday night's explosion and three other explosions that Austin has suffered in the past month.
• Manley said that they are still not sure if the incidents should be labeled as terrorism, but that they currently believe they are dealing with a "serial bomber."

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Austin Police Chief Brian Manley confirmed in a media briefing Monday that the device that set of an explosion Sunday night in Austin, Texas was detonated after a trip wire was broken by one of the individuals, indicating that the newest device showed "a higher level of sophistication" and skill.

Manley said that preliminary evidence shows that there are similarities between Sunday night's explosion, and three other explosions that have killed two people and severely injured a third this month.

When asked if the most recent attack is leading authorities to label the bombings as terrorism, the chief responded by saying that the department is still analyzing the crime scenes, and that so far, they believe that they are dealing with a "serial bomber."

Manley told the press that the Travis Country neighborhood would be placed on lockdown until 2:00 p.m. Monday, and that he was requesting video footage from the private surveillance systems of nearby houses.

The explosion wounded two men, who were described by Manley as 22 and 23 year old Anglo men. They are currently in stable condition at a local hospital, he said, but sustained "significant injuries."

"We will have to determine if we see a specific ideology behind this or something that will lead us, along with our federal partners to make that decision," he said.

An FBI spokesperson said at the briefing that 350 special agents were currently in Austin to help with the investigation.

Manley confirmed Monday that his department does have persons of interest, but cannot identify a suspect at this time.