An ordinary American terrorist

By Peter Bergen, CNN National Security Analyst

Updated 1:54 PM ET, Tue September 20, 2016

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, right, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, second right, look over the mangled remains of a dumpster Sunday, September 18, in New York's Chelsea neighborhood. An explosion injured 29 people there the night before.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, right, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, second right, look over the mangled remains of a dumpster Sunday, September 18, in New York's Chelsea neighborhood. An explosion injured 29 people there the night before.
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Authorities believe the blast was caused by an explosive device in or near this dumpster. All 29 victims have been released from hospitals, according to the governor.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
Authorities believe the blast was caused by an explosive device in or near this dumpster. All 29 victims have been released from hospitals, according to the governor.
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FBI agents review the scene of the explosion on Sunday morning.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
FBI agents review the scene of the explosion on Sunday morning.
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Police officers redirect passers-by as investigations continue early on Sunday morning.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
Police officers redirect passers-by as investigations continue early on Sunday morning.
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A fire truck at the scene of the blast on Saturday.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
A fire truck at the scene of the blast on Saturday.
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The New York Police Department's Counterterrorism Bureau tweeted this image of the crumpled dumpster following the explosion in Chelsea.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
The New York Police Department's Counterterrorism Bureau tweeted this image of the crumpled dumpster following the explosion in Chelsea.
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Just blocks away from the explosion, a suspicious device was found. Officials said the device appeared to be a pressure cooker with dark-colored wiring protruding, connected by silver duct tape to what appeared to be a cell phone.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
Just blocks away from the explosion, a suspicious device was found. Officials said the device appeared to be a pressure cooker with dark-colored wiring protruding, connected by silver duct tape to what appeared to be a cell phone.
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De Blasio, in the blue tie, speaks at a news conference near the scene on Saturday. He was joined by New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
De Blasio, in the blue tie, speaks at a news conference near the scene on Saturday. He was joined by New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill.
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Police block off a road near the site of the explosion.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
Police block off a road near the site of the explosion.
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Firefighters and emergency workers gather at the scene.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
Firefighters and emergency workers gather at the scene.
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Police officers and firefighters respond to the scene.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
Police officers and firefighters respond to the scene.
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A New York police officer and his dog check a garbage can close to the scene of the explosion.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
A New York police officer and his dog check a garbage can close to the scene of the explosion.
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Two heavily armed police officers survey the scene.
Photos: Explosion in Manhattan
Two heavily armed police officers survey the scene.
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