Antioch man seen spewing racial slurs in unhinged rant targeted with explosive device

An explosive device was tossed at the home of an Antioch man captured on video spewing racial slurs, a day after police pleaded with the public not to resort to vigilante justice.

The device — initially believed to be a large firework — was thrown at the Lake Alhambra-area property before Antioch Police officers were called at 10:11 a.m. Monday, according to The Antioch Herald.

The device exploded, causing minor damage, but no injuries were reported. The Walnut Creek Police Department Bomb Squad was brought in as officers secured the scene and began gathering evidence.

The blast came as videos of a resident yelling and making racist comments spread across social media, drawing intense attention online.

Antioch police were concerned about the mounting backlash and issued a public warning Sunday, saying they were aware of the videos and urging people not to confront anyone involved.

“We understand that these videos may be upsetting to our community. We ask everyone to please allow our investigators to do their job and not take matters into your own hands or harass, threaten, or confront anyone involved.”

The controversy surrounding the home dates back to July, when the man seen making racist comments was arrested, according to Lt. Bill Whitaker.

Police said one incident linked to the residence — which recently drew significant online attention — went through the courts and resulted in a restraining order being issued.

A separate incident involving another victim led to the same suspect being arrested over an alleged civil rights violation and battery, the Antioch Herald reported.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office later filed misdemeanor charges alleging a civil rights violation and simple battery. The criminal case remains pending.

Police have not said Monday’s explosion was retaliation, but they are examining whether it was connected to the surge in social media attention surrounding the July incidents.

Officers have interviewed witnesses and are reviewing surveillance footage from the neighborhood as they pursue several leads.

No suspect has been identified.

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