Man Allegedly Threatens to Blow Up the Liberty Bell

A 41-year-old man allegedly told a guard he had explosives in his backpacks during a security check at the Liberty Bell Center

Philadelphia Police arrested a 41-year-old man after he allegedly threatened to blow up the Liberty Bell.

The incident happened around 10:05 a.m. Saturday when Carlos Balsas entered the Liberty Bell Center at 598 Chestnut Street and was told he had to check his bags, according to investigators.

Police say as a security guard checked Balsas' bags he allegedly told them "I have explosives in there" and left the building. U.S. Park Rangers were notified and later spotted Balsas walking westbound on 7th and Market Street. After a brief struggle, the rangers arrested Balsas and took him into custody.

Two black backpacks were found in front of Liberty Wheels at 700 Market Street. The bomb squad found no explosives and cleared the scene, according to investigators. A portion of Market Street was closed to pedestrians and drivers while police investigated the incident.

Balsas is charged with making terroristic threats, bomb threats and related offenses. He was being held on 10 percent of $250,000 bail, according to court records.
 

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