9781422285015

Their options were limited. They thought Holmes might have rigged the apartment with infrared triggers, motion detectors , or pressure switches. Any of those could set off a blast early. Why did Holmes booby-trap the apartment in the first place? Did he want to divert police from the theater as he went on his rampage? No one knew. As doctors and nurses tended to the victims of the shooting, dozens of police of- ficers, firefighters, and other bomb-squad experts surrounded the Paris Street building. At first, police believed their best option was to purposely set off the bombs and let the building burn. Lives and property, however, were at risk. Something needed to be done—and fast. One wrong move could be devastating and deadly. The bomb squad had a decision to make. Finally, the call was made: It was time to bring in the robot. Later, in the final chapter “Mission Accomplished,” read how bomb-squad experts saved the day. First, find out more about this dangerous job.

11