‘Suspicious item’ in dirt area closes part of Blue Ridge Parkway: NC officials
A popular North Carolina art center was evacuated and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway was closed after a “suspicious” item was found nearby, officials said.
Authorities responded to reports of the item, which was an improvised incendiary device, at about 11:45 a.m. June 1, the National Park Service said in a June 2 news release.
It was found in a dirt pull-off area near the intersection to the Folk Art Center, officials said.
The item was removed and officials said there was no threat to the public.
The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the NPS Investigative Services Branch, officials said.
Officers and agents from the NPS, the Asheville Police Department’s Bomb Squad, the FBI, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and fire and emergency officials from Asheville and Riceville helped remove the device, according to the release.
This story was originally published June 2, 2025 at 5:16 PM with the headline "‘Suspicious item’ in dirt area closes part of Blue Ridge Parkway: NC officials."
