Man Detonates Explosive Device Outside Of The US Embassy In Beijing

The good news? No one except the suspect was injured.

Apparently, a man set off an explosive device outside of the US embassy in Beijing.

Blast reported in Beijing near US embassy https://t.co/qVV73HFUaT

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 26, 2018

Latest on Beijing explosion: "There was one individual who detonated a bomb. Other than the bomber, there were no injuries. Local police responded," per U.S. embassy spokesperson.

— Emily Rauhala (@emilyrauhala) July 26, 2018

Breaking: Chinese media is reporting that a man tried to throw an explosive over the fence outside the US embassy in Beijing, China. The device detonated before being thrown and a police car was damaged in the incident. (Via @RFA_Chinese) pic.twitter.com/ODvhVH88RH

— PM Breaking News (@PMBreakingNews) July 26, 2018

#BREAKING: "Large" Explosion near US embassy in Beijing – Roads nearby have been closed pic.twitter.com/AzbsVYCSep

— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) July 26, 2018

A statement from the US embassy in Beijing said a device, which they described as a bomb, had exploded at around 1300 local time (0500 GMT) at the south-east corner of the compound.

Beijing police called it a “suspected firecracker device” which caused a fire. The bomber injured his hand during the incident, but there was no danger to his life and he was immediately sent to hospital.

Police gave his surname as Jiang, and said he was from the Inner Mongolia province.

There were also reports that a woman tried to set herself on fire outside of the embassy. As the BBC notes, “It is unclear if the two incidents were linked.”

We’ll update you as we find out more. Thank goodness no one (aside from the attacker) was hurt.