A Russian national, Evgenii Sadrislamov, has been charged with manufacturing weapons of mass destruction after explosives were discovered in his Philadelphia rowhome. The discovery was made after firefighters responded to reports of smoke coming from the property. Police found a bomb-making lab with over 50 pounds of homemade explosive devices, along with chemicals and literature on bomb-making.
Deputy Commissioner James Kelly III described the situation as a potential major tragedy that was narrowly avoided. Assistant District Attorney Angela Brennan also emphasized the danger posed to the community, stating that the explosives could have leveled a whole block. Residents in the vicinity were evacuated as a precaution, and a man and a woman were rescued from the home and treated by first responders.
Sadrislamov, who will turn 28 behind bars on his upcoming birthday, was already on probation for a similar incident in 2020 involving commercial-grade fireworks found in his home. Prosecutors noted that Friday’s incident represented a clear escalation, and Eric DeGree from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives warned of the potential for injury, death, and destruction to neighbors.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Sadrislamov’s mother defended her son, claiming that making fireworks was just a hobby for him. The reported Russian immigrant faces charges of arson, possession of weapons of mass destruction, and other related offenses. He is currently held on $950,000 bail as the ATF-led investigation continues.
Sadrislamov’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 22, following his 28th birthday on Saturday. The investigation into the manufacturing of explosives in his rowhome is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the safety of the community.
