Jonathan Lai, Inquirer Staff Writer Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2013, 3:01 AM A man who threatened to blow up the Liberty Bell was detained Saturday after leaving two backpacks nearby that he said contained explosives, police said. Police said they found no explosives. <\/p>\n
The man was expected to be charged, Philadelphia police spokeswoman Officer Christine O'Brien said. He had not been publicly identified Saturday night, pending the formal filing of charges, O'Brien said. <\/p>\n
A police source said the man was not from the Philadelphia area and did not appear to have a criminal record. <\/p>\n
Sometime before 10:45 a.m. Saturday, National Park Service rangers stopped the man after receiving reports that he was threatening to blow up the Liberty Bell. <\/p>\n
Two black backpacks were found in front of the Liberty Wheels wheelchair and scooter rental shop at 714 Market St. a half-block away. <\/p>\n
Police arrived around 10:45 a.m. and closed off Market Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets. <\/p>\n
Shortly after, a member of the Philadelphia Police Department bomb squad began examining the backpacks. The results came back negative for hazards, a bomb squad officer said. <\/p>\n
Market Street reopened to pedestrians and traffic around 11:45 a.m. The Liberty Bell remained open throughout. <\/p>\n
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded. <\/p>\n
Special Agent Frank Burton Jr., spokesman for the FBI's Philadelphia division, said the joint investigation was being conducted by Philadelphia police and the FBI because the Liberty Bell is a federal landmark. <\/p>\n
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