SAN FRANCISCO,CA - Investigators said Mar. 23 that they are stumped as to why a man who emigrated 25 years ago from India drove a flaming minivan full of propane tanks and gasoline cans through the main gate of a major Northern California Air Force Base, but see no evidence of terrorism, according to an AP report. Hafiz Kazi, 51, an Indian American, died in the Kia minivan Mar. 21 night after veering through the gate at...
Travis Air Force Base in Northern California and crashing, an FBI agent said. Kazi had no known links to terrorism, did not leave behind a manifesto or any threats or explanation, and a video found on a cellphone provided no clue.
“Why did this individual end up at the front gate of Travis Air Base on fire and now deceased? We don’t have the answers to that,” the agent said. Investigators know of no one else associated with the incident nor any threats to air base or the community.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Kazi had lived in the Bay Area, including Sausalito, Ragan said, but his most recent place of residence was not known.
Air Force gate personnel initially thought they were dealing with a vehicle accident when Kazi crashed and they realized he was on fire. No shots were fired as he entered the base, and it was only after the fire was out and they broke through the locked minivan doors to aid Kazi that they realized it was loaded with five propane tanks, three gallon-size gasoline cans and several cigarette lighters, the FBI said. Also found was a gym bag with personal effects and three cellphones.
Kazi’s body was so badly burned that he had to be identified by fingerprints. Accoring to the FBI, is a native of India who has lived in the United States since 1993 and was a permanent legal resident. Kazi never served in the military and has no known ties to the air base. The FBI said they have been unable to find any of Kazi’s family living in the United States. A family member in India has been notified of Kazi’s death.Kazi appeared to work as a cab driver in the past, but investigators haven’t determined if he was currently employed. It’s not clear if he owned the minivan.
“We don’t have any evidence of any religious affiliation or anything at this point.”As of right now, we know of no other associates,” the FBI said. Investigators have interviewed some of Kazi’s acquaintances and are working on some search warrants. They also are scouring social media, so far without result. Travis Air Force Base is home to 10,000 military personnel and is a major hub for logistics and military cargo in the Pacific. The base is located in Solano County and is midway between Sacramento and San Francisco.
“The safety and welfare of our airmen, their families and our local community is our top priority,” said Col. John Klein, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. “I am extremely proud of how our first responders quickly addressed the situation to keep Travis and the surrounding area out of harm’s way,”a CNN report added.
“Why did this individual end up at the front gate of Travis Air Base on fire and now deceased? We don’t have the answers to that,” the agent said. Investigators know of no one else associated with the incident nor any threats to air base or the community.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Kazi had lived in the Bay Area, including Sausalito, Ragan said, but his most recent place of residence was not known.
Air Force gate personnel initially thought they were dealing with a vehicle accident when Kazi crashed and they realized he was on fire. No shots were fired as he entered the base, and it was only after the fire was out and they broke through the locked minivan doors to aid Kazi that they realized it was loaded with five propane tanks, three gallon-size gasoline cans and several cigarette lighters, the FBI said. Also found was a gym bag with personal effects and three cellphones.
Kazi’s body was so badly burned that he had to be identified by fingerprints. Accoring to the FBI, is a native of India who has lived in the United States since 1993 and was a permanent legal resident. Kazi never served in the military and has no known ties to the air base. The FBI said they have been unable to find any of Kazi’s family living in the United States. A family member in India has been notified of Kazi’s death.Kazi appeared to work as a cab driver in the past, but investigators haven’t determined if he was currently employed. It’s not clear if he owned the minivan.
“We don’t have any evidence of any religious affiliation or anything at this point.”As of right now, we know of no other associates,” the FBI said. Investigators have interviewed some of Kazi’s acquaintances and are working on some search warrants. They also are scouring social media, so far without result. Travis Air Force Base is home to 10,000 military personnel and is a major hub for logistics and military cargo in the Pacific. The base is located in Solano County and is midway between Sacramento and San Francisco.
“The safety and welfare of our airmen, their families and our local community is our top priority,” said Col. John Klein, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. “I am extremely proud of how our first responders quickly addressed the situation to keep Travis and the surrounding area out of harm’s way,”a CNN report added.
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