FBI, local authorities seek info on ‘device’ planted at Cedar Creek

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Frederick County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed discovery of a suspected explosive device on the grounds of the Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park in Middletown, Virginia.  The device was described on social media by some attendees of the annual Battle of Cedar Creek reenactment as a pipe bomb.  The Civil War-themed event is a major tourist attraction drawing a large crowd each year.

According to the FBI, “No persons were harmed and the device was rendered safe by the Virginia State Police.”  The discovery of the “device” came on the first day, Saturday, October 14, of a scheduled two-day event.

As of Sunday afternoon no suspect had yet been identified and authorities are asking for assistance from the public – “Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity, or may have information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact the FBI at (804) 261-1044,” the FBI release requests.

Public domain art illustrates the type of Civil War era civilian reenactment clothes that accompanies the annual battle reenactment at Cedar Creek. Still costumed re-enactors were prevalent in Middletown’s Nana’s Irish Pub and other venues Saturday evening. Art/courtesy of Thurlstup, wpclipart & resuableart

The reenactment was scheduled as a two-day event on Saturday-Sunday, October 14-15 this year.  However, due to the ongoing security issues, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation announced cancellation of Sunday’s events.

“Due to this unfortunate situation our event staff is unable to fulfill the required logistical needs to continue the event on Sunday.  It is regrettable that a nice family event would be disrupted in this way,” Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation President Joe D’Arezzo said in a release.

In the days leading up to this weekend’s reenactment the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation posted notice of its receipt of a threat of physical violence at this year’s event.  Posted on its website under the heading “IMPORTANT MESSAGE: PLEASE READ:” was the following notice:

“We would like to make everyone aware that the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation has received a letter threatening bodily harm to attendants of this event.  With this in mind security has been increased and we ask that everyone work with us for a safe and enjoyable event.  Please pardon the inconvenience as you may experience increased security measures when enjoying the event.”

A Saturday release from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office added some detail to the circumstances surrounding discovery of the suspected explosive device.

“At approximately 4 p.m. on site personnel of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Middletown Police Department were alerted to a suspicious item at Cedar Creek Battlefield.

“Evacuations of the immediate area began and a safe zone was established.  A Unified Command was set up with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County Fire and Rescue, and Middletown Police Department.  Additional resources were brought in including the Virginia State Police Bomb Squad, and K9 Units from Frederick County, Virginia State Police, and several federal agencies. The Virginia State Police Bomb Squad rendered the device safe. K9 units continue to search all areas of the Battlefield.”

Above, photo of the crowd gathered at Cedar Creek for the annual re-enactment; below, scenes of Confederate troops and canon fire from that re-enactment. Photos/Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation

Can’t we all just get along?

The threat and discovery of a suspicious device on site of the Civil War re-enactment comes during what has become an increasingly divisive dialogue surrounding the presence of statues of Confederate Civil War figures on state and public grounds around the nation.  The divisive and potentially violent nature of the debate was perhaps most dramatically illustrated during dueling demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia in August.

White supremacists and neo-fascists gathered to protest the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee were confronted by anti-racist, anti-fascist counter-protesters.  The ensuing chaos resulted in numerous injuries and one death of a young woman, the latter after a man identified as a known neo-fascist plowed his car into a crowd of counter-demonstrators.

Fortunately, the Cedar Creek threat was defused – perhaps literally – by a pro-active local, state and federal law enforcement presence and response.

Assisting the FBI in its investigation are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Middletown Police Department.  The FBI is limiting the release of additional information due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.