By Jerald Jimenez
29 Oct 2023, 10:47 AM EDT
A thrift store in Janesville, southeastern Wisconsin, caused public panic after an active cluster bomb and ammunition were found last Friday.
According to reports, an employee of Goodwill, a non-profit organization that sells donated items, found a live cluster bomb and several munitions among the donations received.
The employee who made the discovery immediately alerted the store management and the donation center, who followed safety protocols and informed the relevant authorities.
The Janesville Police Department responded to the scene and evacuated the store and surrounding areas as a precaution for shoppers, donors and employees.
An anti-explosive squad was in charge of removing the small bomb and ammunition from the establishment and moving them to a safe point for deactivation or destruction.
The statement issued by Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin said the store and donation center resumed operations shortly after 1:30 p.m. Friday.
The cluster bomb is a type of weapon that contains multiple explosive sub-munitions that are dispersed when dropped from aircraft or fired from the ground. Submunitions can cause serious damage to people and vehicles over a wide range of action. Its use is prohibited by an international treaty signed by more than 100 countries, although neither the United States nor Russia have ratified it.
Meanwhile, Janesville police are investigating the origin and motive of the donation containing the explosives. At the moment, it is unknown who was responsible and whether it was a malicious act or negligence.
Police asked the public to come forward with any information that could help clarify the case.
With information from The Associated Press