ATM explosions across Philadelphia likely part of ‘organized’ city-wide theft, cops say

Philadelphia police say a 24-year-old man is dead after he tried to blow up an ATM in the city early Tuesday, outlets report.

Explosives were used in several thefts on money machines across the city overnight in what police are calling an “organized” and “coordinated” effort, according to the Associated Press.

Ten machines were hit, most of them with explosives, the thieves running off with the cash inside or hauling away the whole ATM. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is heading an investigation, the Associated Press reported.

The thefts come as police in Philadelphia, and across the nation, divert officers and resources in response to protests over the death of George Floyd and police brutality against African-American men.

While looting and rioting have coincided with demonstrations in major cities from coast to coast, law enforcement told ABC News the destructive acts are being carried out by a small few, and that the majority of people are protesting peacefully.

Philly residents reported hearing explosions throughout the night, according to Fox 29.

When police arrived at the scene of the botched explosion, the 24-year-old was still alive but died from his injuries shortly after being rushed to a nearby hospital, the outlet reported.

A butcher in another part of town heard explosions near where several ATMs were blown open, according to CBS 3, adding that he witnessed looting and vandalism as well.

“They were out here. It was mobs of people out here and they got into pretty much every store: the Dunkin’ Donuts, the jewelry store, the Metro. It was a complete madhouse out here,” the butcher told CBS 3. “I was in shock and I’m going on 53 so I’ve seen a lot, but nothing like that.”