Two explosions occurred in front of two churches in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Sunday morning, interrupting Sunday services and surprising congregants. No injuries or deaths were reported.
The second explosion occurred only 20 minutes after the first, according to reports, and the churches are only three miles apart. The proximity of these events implicate a connection, experts say.
"It's unlikely for us to have two incidents like this on the same day 20 minutes apart, and have them not be connected," Dan Trujillo, the Las Cruces Police Department spokesman, told the Washington Post.
The first explosion occurred at Calvary Baptist Church, at which the bomb was planted in a mailbox. The second bomb exploded at Holy Cross Catholic Church from a trash can in front of the church. Later services in both churches were canceled as police officers proceeded in investigation.
Local, state, and federal officials are investigating the incident, including the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, New Mexico State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosivs (ATF), and the Department of Homeland Security.
"Only a coward would place an explosive device in a place of peace and a place of worship," said New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez (R). "If your intention was to bring fear to those who worship, you have failed. Our faith is too strong and our fellowship is unbreakable."
Monsignor John Anderson told Las Cruces Sun News that at Holy Cross Catholic Church, a member is usually posted at the entrance of the church, but was thankfully inside the church at the time of the explosion, during which communion was taking place.
"Ten minutes later we would have been leaving and standing around that space," Anderson said.
Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church expressed gratefulness and solidarity, despite the initial shock.
"We are grateful that everyone on campus is safe and for the prompt response of the authorities," wrote Calvary Baptist Church on its Facebook page. "Calvary continues to pray for our community and watch for any opportunity God may give us to serve and help Las Cruces in the days and months ahead."
"We stand united in prayer for all parishioners and churches affected," Holy Cross wrote as a caption of a photo on its Facebook.
A rally took place on Sunday night with faith leaders at Pioneer Park, during which messages of forgiveness and gratefulness were given, according to Sun News.
