Fact Check: Explosives included pipe bombs and devices made from Coke bottles.

Fact Check: "Explosives included pipe bombs and devices made from Coke bottles."

What We Know

The claim that explosives can include pipe bombs and devices made from Coke bottles is supported by multiple sources. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), pipe bombs are a type of improvised explosive device (IED) that are typically constructed from steel pipes containing explosive mixtures. These devices are illegal and pose significant risks of injury and property damage. Additionally, the ATF categorizes Molotov cocktails—devices made from glass bottles filled with flammable liquids, such as gasoline—as destructive devices, which also fall under the category of illegal explosives (Virginia Code § 18.2-85).

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) can be made from various common household items, including Coke bottles, which can be used to create a type of fire bomb. The Department of Homeland Security defines IEDs as homemade bombs that can be constructed from various materials, emphasizing that they are often used in criminal acts.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust. The ATF provides a clear definition of pipe bombs and other illegal explosive devices, detailing their construction and the dangers they pose (ATF). The Virginia Code also reinforces this by defining fire bombs and explosive materials, indicating that any device capable of producing an explosion is considered illegal if manufactured or possessed without proper authorization (Virginia Code § 18.2-85).

The reliability of these sources is high. The ATF is a federal agency responsible for regulating explosives and has extensive expertise in this area. The Virginia Code is a legal document that outlines state laws regarding explosives, making it a credible source for understanding the legal implications of possessing such devices.

While some news reports mention the use of homemade explosives in various criminal activities, such as the recent seizure of over 150 homemade bombs by the FBI (FBI), they do not specifically address the claim regarding Coke bottles. However, the general consensus in the literature supports the assertion that both pipe bombs and devices made from Coke bottles can be classified as explosives.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that explosives can include pipe bombs and devices made from Coke bottles is substantiated by credible sources, including federal regulations and state laws. Both types of devices are recognized as illegal explosives that pose significant risks to public safety.

Fact Check: Explosives included pipe bombs and devices made from Coke bottles.