NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Four years ago, Nashvillians woke up on Christmas morning to the news of a bombing downtown.
It was around 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2020, when a bomb inside an RV went off at a building on Second Avenue between Commerce and Church Streets.
Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency reported the damage impacted 65 buildings, many of which are historic structures that date back to the late 1800s.
According to an FBI investigation, Anthony Warner of Antioch is the man accused of building and ultimately detonating the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. He reportedly acted alone and was motivated by conspiracy theories and paranoia.
“The FBI assesses Warner specifically chose the location and timing of the bombing so that it would be impactful, while still minimizing the likelihood of causing undue injury,” the report stated. “The FBI’s analysis did not reveal indications of a broader ideological motive to use violence to bring about social or political change, nor does it reveal indications of a specific personal grievance focused on individuals or entities in and around the location of the explosion.”
The recovery efforts on that block of Second Avenue have not been easy, but there has been a lot of progress toward fully opening the area to traffic once again. As of right now, cars can drive between Commerce Street and Broadway. This particular block has a renewed emphasis on the pedestrian experience. The milestone re-opening is reportedly ahead of schedule.
Metro officials estimated construction on the middle block between Commerce and Church Streets is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.
