Bixby Bombing Suspect Faces Federal Charges

<p>News On 6 has learned more about a 28-year-old Tulsa man arrested by the FBI in connection with a pipe bomb explosion outside the Air Force recruiting center in Bixby late Monday.</p>

Wednesday, July 12th 2017, 7:20 am

By: Emory Bryan

Bixby Bombing Suspect Faces Federal Charges

News On 6 has learned more about a 28-year-old Tulsa man arrested by the FBI in connection with a pipe bomb explosion outside the Air Force recruiting center in Bixby late Monday.

Benjamin Roden is being held in the Tulsa County jail. Four federal charges were filed against him Wednesday: malicious damage to federal property by use of explosive, two counts of destruction of federal property and use of explosive to commit federal felony.

FBI agents found Roden at the Sand Dollar Apartments near 61st and Riverside Tuesday afternoon and took him into custody. They tracked Roden's path through angry Facebook posts and an eyewitness report of his motorcycle leaving the scene.

Investigators say they found a bag with two more pipe bombs and components for more; an application for a German visa, cell phones, cash, a rifle, handgun and ammunition.

Court records describe Roden as a disgruntled two-year Air Force airman, who couldn't advance in the service to be an electrician.

“When that did not come to be, his conduct turned to hate,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Loretta Radford. “Ultimately, he resigned from the Air Force, tried to join the Marines. They would not accept him, and he believed, at least our investigation revealed, he believed it was the Air Force that was keeping him from becoming a member of the Marines.

Roden transferred to the Tulsa Air National Guard, serving two and half years before he was discharged this past April.

A few months ago, he posted a video for his design of a burglar alarm, showcasing his skills at building electronics.

A Facebook post Roden wrote Sunday helped the FBI. It read: “That government vehicle looks beautiful setting outside that office in Tulsa. That is how I am going to make up for 2 years 7 months without a job and harassment."

Investigators believe Roden acted alone, acting on a grudge over being passed over in the service.

“We, of course, take this conduct like this seriously though of course no individuals were harmed by the conduct of this defendant,” said Radford.

Roden's parents’ home in Sand Springs was searched. Investigators believe they had no idea what he was doing.