A device in a trash can exploded around 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Seaside Park along the planned route for the Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K, according to FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Brad Cohen. He said there were no injuries or deaths reported.
The start of the 5K was delayed, which the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said was why a large number of runners weren’t in the area at the time of the explosion.
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation with help from state and local officials to find out who is responsible for the explosion, Cohen said.
Cohen asks that anyone with information about the incident call 800-CALL-FBI and choose Option 1.
Cohen held a press conference with Seaside Park Police Chief Francis Larkin late Saturday afternoon. Larkin announced that Seaside Park residents displaced as a result of the incident would be allowed back to their homes at 6 p.m. Those who live closest to the explosion will have to show ID to be allowed back to their homes.
Larkin said beaches will be closed on C, D and E Streets and Ocean Avenue.
NJTV News will have more information as it becomes available.