Improvised explosive devices set off at two Las Cruces churches

Improvised explosive devices were set off outside two Las Cruces churches Sunday morning. They were meant to cause harm, injury and damage, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez said.

The devices went off within minutes of each other at Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church.

“Only a coward would place and explosive device in a place of peace and worship,” said Martinez during a briefing Sunday night.

The first device detonated inside a mailbox on a wall near the administrative entrance to Calvary Baptist Church at 1800 Locust St. No one was injured. Police said worshipers were gathering inside the church but services had not started at the time of the explosion.

Less than half an hour later, another explosive device detonated inside a trash can outside Cross Catholic Church, at 1327 N. Miranda St. Mass was underway and parishioners were evacuated through another building exit. No one was injured, but the detonation damaged the trash can and a glass entryway.

“I can’t imagine sitting in a place of worship and hearing that sound of an explosive going on,” said New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas. “These are not firecrackers.”

The investigation is underway, there have been no arrests, and they have not linked the incidents to a group or individual. “We are not there yet,” the chief said.

FBI, ATF and Homeland Security agents have been investigating the area all day in conjunction with local and state law enforcement agents.

Martinez encouraged people to continue attending houses of worship.

“We will not let fear take a hold of us,” she said. “This attack does not stop our lives.”