Was fear over 5G technology a factor behind the Nashville bombing?

5G radio tower
5G radio tower (Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • The FBI is investigating the motive behind the Nashville, TN bombing on December 25th, which could be linked to fears about 5G technology.
  • The attack took the life of the suspect and injured three others while causing a multi-state network outage.
  • 5G has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories around spying and even as the cause of the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Days after the Nashville bombing on December 25th, the FBI has some answers but is still searching for more. While it was determined that the suspect behind the attack is Nashville resident, Anthony Warner, authorities are trying to piece together the motive behind the attack. The explosion took place next to an AT&T facility and caused a multi-state network outage that the company is still recovering from. Warner, 63, was the sole fatality and three others were injured.

It's being reported that the FBI had questioned whether or not paranoia over 5G technology was a factor. A former employer of Warner told agents that he worked in information technology and was generally quiet and reserved, but never expressed concern about 5G. Neighbors also mirrored his statement, saying that he was "low-key" and "he was kind of a computer geek that worked at home."

Given the proximity of the last to AT&T's building, and the effects of it thereafter, it's believed that there is some connection between the two. 5G technology, which is found in many of today's best Android phones, has been under much scrutiny as carriers began heavily pushing the technology over the past year. Many conspiracy theories about 5G claim that the technology is being used to spy on American citizens and is the cause of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some have even linked it to cancer, although these claims have been largely disproven.

According to Warner's ex-girlfriend, he reportedly found out that he had cancer and gave away all of his possessions, including his car and the deed to his home.

Derrek Lee
Managing Editor

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.

Latest in 5G
Motorola Edge Plus (2023)
Last chance! Our favorite Motorola phone from 2023 just dropped to its lowest price EVER during Prime Day — here's why that's a big deal
Cell phone tower
5G in the U.S. needs work, but it's not all doom and gloom
5G radio tower
Ex-Google CEO thinks 5G in the US is a joke, calls out AT&T and Verizon
Verizon store sign
Verizon 5G: Everything you need to know
T-Mobile Home Internet 5g Lifestyle
Do you need to use your own router with 5G home internet?
Verizon 5G nodes
How does 5G pose a threat to the airline industry?
Latest in News
The Light Phone III in lifestyle photos.
The Light Phone 3 is here with miniature features, massive $799 price tag
YouTube Premium homepage on Android
YouTube's notification test impacts channels you rarely interact with
Google Pixel 8a
Google tipped to bring text-based actions in AI Overviews for Circle to Search
Pixel Watch 3 run coaching suggestion in the Fitbit app on a Pixel 9
Fitbit's Health Metrics are getting a redesign on Android and iOS
The Galaxy S24 Plus in hand with a light behind it
Samsung's sixth One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 rolls out as launch nears
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools