In Wimauma, Florida, a potentially catastrophic situation was averted when the parents of a 27-year-old woman discovered a cache of pipe bombs and other dangerous materials in her bedroom. According to authorities, the parents promptly contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, leading to the arrest of Michelle Louise Kolts on bomb-making charges.
Sheriff Chad Chronister acknowledged the difficulty of the parents’ decision, stating, “I can only imagine how hard it is to call in about any family member.”
During the subsequent search of the residence, investigators seized a disturbing array of items, including two-dozen pipe bombs, pistol powder, knives, hatchets, nunchucks, BB pellet rifles, and handguns. They also found books and DVDs related to murder, mass killing, bomb-making, and domestic terrorism, according to a report by Fox 13 Tampa.
The status of the firearms—whether they were taken for safekeeping or will lead to additional charges—remains unclear. Sheriff Chronister stated that Kolts admitted to making the pipe bombs and indicated plans to use them to harm people, although she did not specify any particular targets. “We’re not aware of any type of hit list,” he said. “Her statements are very generic.”
“What is even more frightening is that each of the pipe bombs contained nails, metallic pellets or a combination of both, and it would have taken less than 60 seconds per device to add the powder and fuse material she already possessed to detonate each device,” Chronister said. He emphasized the potential for the bombs to cause mass casualties, estimating that they could have killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of people.
Deputies had previously spoken with Kolts a year prior regarding an online order of bomb-making manuals and anarchy manifestos, also reported by Fox 13. According to Sheriff Chronister, Kolts had become “consumed with the Columbine and Oklahoma killings.” At the time, she had not been diagnosed with any mental health condition and stated that she had no intention of harming anyone. Her parents indicated she was “a little on the autism spectrum.” However, it remains uncertain whether this information is relevant to the current charges.
The quick action of the parents in this case potentially prevented a significant tragedy. The investigation is ongoing.
Mental health and domestic terrorism are serious issues that law enforcement agencies are constantly working to address.