A fireworks shop in Matamoras is part of an investigation into the bombing attempt in Times Square in New York City.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has traced fireworks used as part of the failed bombing attempt in New York City to the Phantom Fireworks in Matamoras. Faisal Shahzad was arrested just over 53 hours after an explosives-filled SUV was discovered abandoned in the middle of New York City’s famous tourist area, according to the FBI.
Phantom Fireworks in Matamoras sold M-88 firecrackers to an attempted terrorist, however, according to company Vice President, William Weimer in Youngstown, Ohio, “we sold the man consumer fireworks which cannot do damage,” which is why he failed, Weimer told The News Eagle Thursday, May 6.
Shahzah, 30 a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested Tuesday night, May 4 by authorities after an intensive investigation. He had parked a Nissan Pathfinder in a busy area of a block in Times Square in New York City, filled with several explosive devices to detonate and do serious damage, according to official reports. Those included the fireworks, gasoline, 250 pounds of urea based fertilizer and three propane tanks.
He had purchased the firecrackers in the Matamoras store located adjacent to I-84 where he was only required to produce a photo I.D. which was then scanned. He was also videotaped which is company policy.
Weimer reached at his office in Youngstown said, “We are one of the largest firework companies in the country. One of our investigators, our national security director is a former FBI special agent. He contacted former colleagues in New York City and provided the FBI with the video. That is expected to be released Thursday, May 6.”
“Our products are not effective in blowing up people or buildings. The man was obviously taken in by marketing,” Weimer said.
The vehicle was discovered by law enforcement when they were alerted by a Times Square vendor who saw the car was smoking.
Phantom Fireworks said they had no intention of changing procedure of buying fireworks and that they are within the law. “We sell products to be used for our traditional Fourth of July celebration and are disgusted someone would try to use it in the opposite way,” he said.
