The Seattle office of the FBI says that a "deadly destructive device, likely capable of inflicting multiple casualties" was found yesterday inside a backpack left near the route of Spokane, Washington's Martin Luther King Day parade.

The FBI released the following picture of the backpack and some of its contents:

1295387700-backpack.png
  • Courtesy: FBI

As a part of this ongoing investigation, the FBI is seeking any information regarding the identity of the person or persons that may have been seen with this backpack from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. on Monday, 1/17/2011. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are requested to immediately contact the FBI. In addition, if anyone took photographs or video in the area of N. Washington Street and W. Main Avenue from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., they are also requested to contact the FBI as soon as possible.

SUBJECT(S) SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

CONTACT THE FBI AT: Telephone (206)622-0460; Email seattle.fbi@ic.fbi.gov; Fax (206)262-2587

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The FBI has refused to discuss how the bomb was constructed. "Suffice it to say it was of grave concern," Frank Harrell of the FBI's Spokane office told NBC News.

"You could describe it as an improvised destructive device ... or improvised explosive device," Harrell said.

Area workers initially reported the suspicious package to Spokane police. The march was slightly re-routed and delayed because of the bomb scare.

"The three contract workers in the area who were there are unsung heroes," the FBI spokesman said.

The FBI has not established an official motive, but told NBC News "the timing and placement of the backpack (along the march route) is inescapable." No threats or warnings were issued before the march.