FBI Case File Review 331: Dr. Kirk Yeager - Bomb Doctor, FBI Explosives Unit
Sep 18, 2024
Dr. Kirk Yeager, the FBI’s Chief Explosives Scientist and top bomb expert, shares his gripping experiences in the FBI’s Explosives Unit. He delves into the high-stakes world of bomb investigations, discussing notable cases like the Bali bombing and the emotional toll of processing crime scenes. Yeager highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling terrorism and contrasts the realities of forensic science with media portrayals. His insights underscore the human cost of explosive investigations and the ethical challenges faced in law enforcement.
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Early Bombing Cases
- Dr. Yeager's early explosives career involved researching terrorist explosives and recreating bombs.
- This included a 1,200-pound urea nitrate bomb used in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the Oklahoma City bombing.
Bomb Techs vs. Examiners
- FBI bomb techs render devices safe for transport and analysis.
- Forensic examiners analyze the evidence to determine bomb functionality, damage potential, and chemical composition.
South America Deployment
- Dr. Yeager's first international deployment to South America was a jarring experience.
- The crime scene had been cleaned and the bombed cars were piled up, hindering analysis.