Investigators announced Thursday they have zeroed in on a person of interest connected to the letter bombing that severely injured a Center City gay man last week.
At a joint news conference of the Philadelphia Police, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI, investigators released surveillance stills captured of the person they say placed an explosive package outside Jim Alden’s apartment.
The individual was described as Asian and could range in age from late teens to early 30s. Though investigators used male pronouns to identify the individual, they acknowledged they are not certain of the person’s sex. The individual was carrying a duffle bag and wearing a hooded jacket that they said moved in a distinctive way as the person walked.
To view the video, visit the Philadelphia Police YouTube Channel. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 215-686-TIPS.
Investigators first captured the person on surveillance at Seventh and Pine streets and at several points on the route to Alden’s building at 18th and Pine. The package was placed at the residence around 9:30 p.m. Nov. 20.
Alden was on vacation and didn’t return until the early-morning hours of Nov. 22, at which point he opened the package, which he believed contained his asthma medication, in his kitchen. The package was rigged to explode when the flap was opened, and Alden suffered wounds from shrapnel to his chest, face and hands, and lost parts of two fingers.
Investigators said they are certain Alden was targeted, as the package was addressed to him, but they have not determined a motive. Alden was shown the surveillance video and stills and does not recognize the individuals, investigators said, nor have an idea of who could have targeted him.
The idea of this being an antigay hate crime was raised at the news conference, and Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan emphasized that investigators continue to pursue all leads.
“Our minds continue to be open,” he said.
Investigators also announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
“This device was a very dangerous device. It was a destructive device. It caused significant injury to the person and it could have resulted in death,” Sullivan said. “So obviously we’re taking this very seriously
Support has poured in for the victim in the past week, with more than $19,000 from more than 300 donors contributed through an online fundraising page (www.youcaring.com/jimalden-700809). The campaign was created by Talbott Smith, a friend of Alden.
Alden, a banquet worker at the Warwick Rittenhouse Hotel, Jefferson University Hospital.
In a conversation with PGN publisher Mark Segal, Alden said he is home from the hospital and beginning to schedule rounds of doctor’s appointments. He said he is lucky he had just taken out his contacts and put on his glasses; had he not, he likely would have been blinded by the explosion.
Alden underwent surgery to install rods to stabilize broken bones in the hand, which is his dominant hand. More surgeries will be required. He is also having hearing difficulty due to a blister on his eardrum.
Alden has health insurance, but Smith wrote on the fundraising page that he is facing steep co-pays, ongoing treatments, physical therapy and costly reconstructive surgery. He will also be out of work indefinitely and faces “significant loss of income” during his recovery. Funds will also support repairs on Alden’s apartment; officials said the kitchen area was significantly damaged by the explosion.
Alden told PGN family and friends have helped him clean up the apartment. He also credited his employer and his partner’s, who works in the hospitality industry, for their support.