As authorities continue to investigate the suspected bombing of a Warrior Met Coal-owned natural gas pipeline, the company is offering $25,000 to any individual who provides information that directly leads to an arrest and conviction of the guilty party.
An explosive device is believed to have been used on the pipeline along Hannah Creek Road in eastern Tuscaloosa County early Thursday morning.
Warrior Met Coal has been at the center of an ongoing labor dispute since April 2021. According to the company, Thursday’s incident could be related to the ongoing union strike.
“Warrior Met Coal and its subsidiaries have always focused on the safety of our employees and the communities in which we live and operate,” said company spokesman D’Andre Wright. “We believe today’s attack on our pipeline facilities was related to the ongoing labor dispute. As a critical infrastructure industry, it is imperative we protect our assets from acts of violence and vandalism to ensure public safety. While no injuries are known to have occurred, the threat to lives and property posed by this irresponsible and illegal attack is tremendous. We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and expect those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Alabama Mining Association president Patrick Cagle called for the mining industry to denounce the attack.
“No one who shares the values of Alabama’s 21st century mining community would participate in, stand by, or stay silent about this dangerous, inexcusable attack,” stated Cagle. “Today’s events should be universally and categorically denounced. The mining industry prides itself on prioritizing safety above everything else, and this attack is ultimately an attack on what we stand for.”
Individuals with any relevant information may submit a tip to the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office at 1-205-326-6166 or by visiting the agency’s website. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) may be contacted at 1 888-283-8477.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
