Virginia "Hot Cheerleaders" Bombing Accident

Overview

The Virginia "Hot Cheerleaders" Bombing Accident refers to an incident wherein a 23-year-old man blew his hand off after allegedly attempting to build an explosive for an attack on a mall. Among the man's possessions, law enforcement discovered written fantasies about bombing a mall and killing "hot cheerleaders," comparing himself to incel mass shooter Elliott Rodger.

Background

On June 2nd, Richlands, Virginia resident Cole Carini entered Clinch Valley Medical Center with a missing hand and shrapnel wounds on his neck and throat, telling a local sheriff's deputy that the injuries were the result of a gardening accident. Investigators searched Carini and his grandmother's residence, finding evidence of "improvised explosive devices" and a letter that featured fantasies about bombing a mall. The Daily Beast^[1] reports:

“He casually walked through the shopping mall, his jacket concealed deadly objects,” the letter read, parts of which were illegible. “He was doing it and was assured it must be done. Even if he died this statement was worth it! He had… of tension that would come and go as he approached the stage of hot cheerleaders… A dead seriousness sank in as he realized he was truly passing the point of no return! He decided I will not back down I will not be afraid of the consequences no matter what I will be heroic I will make a statement like Elliott Rodgers [sic] did he thought to himself.”

Developments

Carini's Mother's Response

According to the Daily Beast, Carini's mother, Karen, said that she was surprised that the story was "getting national attention" and said that there was no mall in their area. She said:

It’s a situation where my son needs help, and I hope he gets the help he needs. Not to sound cliche, but I had no idea [about the bomb-making materials]. And I’m willing to work with him. My son needs help. That’s all I want to say.

Online Reaction

The story, particularly the aspects involving the incel ideology and "hot cheerleaders," became a viral news item online. For example, the case became the topic of discussion on numerous subreddits, including /r/TrueCrimeDiscussion,^[2] /r/BrandNewSentence,^[3] /r/TheBluePill,^[4] /r/GenderCritcial^[5] and more.

On June 6th, the Instagram ^[6] account @factsdaily.official posted about the explosion. They wrote, "A suspected incel accidentally blew his own hand off while making an explosive device that may have been designed with the aim to kill 'hot cheerleaders.'" The post received more than 1,200 likes in less than three days (shown below).

Media Coverage

Several media outlets covered the bombing accident, including BuzzFeed, ^[7] The Charlotte Observer,^[8] The New York Daily News^[9] and more.

Search Interest

Not available.

External References