Tennessee Man Arrested with 14 IEDs After Threatening Officials

Kevin Wade O'Neal, 54, was arrested in Old Fort, Tennessee, after deputies executing an arrest warrant for threats against public officials and law enforcement discovered 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in his home. Authorities said O'Neal attempted to detonate the devices during the arrest, which led to the evacuation of the residence and involvement of the ATF and local bomb squads. The IEDs were capable of causing significant harm, with shrapnel projected to fly up to 2,500 feet, endangering deputies and others inside the house at the time. O'Neal faces multiple charges, including 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder, 14 counts of prohibited weapons possession, and one count of possession of explosive components. The suspect's social media posts indicated threats against local officials, including Sheriff Steve Ross, solidifying the context of his arrest. He remains held at Polk County Jail, and it is unclear if he has legal representation.