FBI investigating after explosion outside Texas Public Radio headquarters in downtown San Antonio

Video shared by TPR shows someone placing a device underneath a statue of Vladimir Lenin’s head, which is not on TPR’s property, before an explosion.

SAN ANTONIO — The FBI and local authorities are investigating after an apparent bomb was detonated under a sculpture outside of Texas Public Radio headquarters in downtown San Antonio early Monday morning. 

No one was injured in the explosion, which was caught on surveillance video presented by TPR. The video shows someone placing a device near the statue, called “Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head,” at 2:25 a.m. and is edited to then show the explosion just six minutes later. 

The sculpture, which isn’t on TPR property, depicts a tiny likeness of Mao Zedong balancing atop a massive Vladimir Lenin. It generated controversy upon its installation in March, with some calling it Communist propaganda and a celebration of the Soviet leader. Others questioned the timing of its unveiling, which happened soon after the invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

The San Antonio developer who brought the artwork has defended the decision, saying the statue was satirical in nature. 

FBI officials told KENS 5 they were “working with our federal, state and local partners to determine what happened.” SAFD’s arson unit was also assisting in the investigation. Neither agency said whether they believed the state was being specifically targeted. 

This is a developing story. Check back with KENS5.com for updates. 

MORE SAN ANTONIO COVERAGE:

Man was arriving for church services when he was shot, killed, police sayAMBER Alert issued for 13-year-old San Antonio girl abducted by suspect in a U-Haul truckPolice investigating after a man’s body was found in Leon ValleyReward increases to $10K to find suspect who shot man to death

>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE:

Learn more about KENS 5:

Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.

KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.

Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers’ homes. We’re proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.

Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.

You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5’s Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on FacebookTwitterInstagram and more!

Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.