Introduction
Lexington Nebraska Hazardous Device FBI: The FBI’s investigation into the Lexington Nebraska hazardous device case is one of NE’s most publicized unsolved cases in public safety. Federal investigators are still searching for answers after nearly two years of searching for a critical energy facility after a device had been found suspicious.
The incident took place on Sept. 4, 2024, at the Black Hills Energy (BHE) site in Black Hills, near 801 E Prospect Road, in Lexington, NE. There was no sign of any injuries, or disruptions to utilities, but the severity of the discovery warranted an immediate response from local law enforcement and the FBI Omaha Field Office.
The case is still ongoing as of 2026 and authorities are still asking for information from the public. Here is what is currently known about the investigation, legal issues and what the residents can do.
What went wrong at the Black Hills Energy Site in Lexington?
The FBI is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying perpetrators of the placement of a hazardous device at the Black Hills Energy facility in Lexington, Nebraska, on Sept. 4, 2024, according to federal authorities.
The device was found near 801 E Prospect Road, which has connections to energy infrastructure in the area. Local police and the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office were some of the first to secure the area prior to the specialized federal teams.
The FBI Hazardous Devices Team then responded to determine and defuse the threat. Authorities have kept certain details about the device’s construction and components close to the vest because the investigation is still on-going.
The significance of what investigators have confirmed is great: The device was identified as a “hazardous device,” not a hoax device, indicating it had certain characteristics of being dangerous or actually causing harm.
Fortunately, officials reported:
- No injuries
- No explosion
- No power outages to Black Hills Energy.
- No evacuation beyond the immediate safety instructions have been ordered.
The incident was stopped short of something potentially much more serious with regard to critical infrastructure.
We will not stop working to investigate the 2026.
The culprit(s) have not yet been publicly named, though a lot of investigation has been done.
Lexington remains an FBI Seeking Information case, indicating that federal investigators are still active on this case. New notices are distributed throughout 2025 and into 2026, urging citizens to share all pertinent information.
The FBI is especially interested in the location of:
- Video from the vicinity of the incident
- Records from the dashcams on surrounding roads.Records from dashcams of nearby roads.
- Vehicles of interest observed around the site
- During the period 3-5 September 2024, abnormal activity was observed around this date.
- Details of threats to energy infrastructure
Authorities specify that even seemingly trivial small items can help establish timelines and/or suspects or provide corroboration for forensic evidence.
Investigators may have a lot of evidence already because critical infrastructure facilities are monitored to the extent that they are. Public tips may be able to fill in missing puzzle pieces.
What the FBI defines as a “Hazardous Device”
Many people don’t realize that the term hazardous device is a broad one.
Federal agencies use it to refer to a number of dangerous devices, such as:
| Device Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) | homemade explosive devices |
| Items that are used to cause fires. | |
| Chemical Dispersal Devices | Any devices that are designed to disperse hazardous materials. |
| Assemblies that can detonate | Explosive Components |
| Specialized Threat Devices | Devices targeted at infrastructure and public safety |
The FBI takes these incidents seriously and has highly trained specialists linked to the nation’s top bomb technician training facility, the Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Technicians are usually deployed to respond to incidents such as Lexington like this:
- Bomb-disposal robots
- Portable X-ray systems
- Protective containment equipment
- Controlled disruption tools
- Advanced forensic collection methods.
These procedures have the aim of protecting the public and of ensuring that evidence for prosecution is retained.
What makes Critical Infrastructure Cases “Federal”?
The location is one reason that the Lexington case continues to have significance in 2026.
Black Hills Energy provides infrastructure for homes, businesses and industrial facilities in the region. Lexington is located in Nebraska in a region of high transportation and agricultural activity, requiring critical reliability of utilities.
Energy facilities are considered critical infrastructure by the Federal authorities and are therefore subject to increased scrutiny in the event of an attack or attempted attack.
In recent years, U.S. security forces have stepped up surveillance on threats to:
- Electrical substations
- Natural gas facilities
- Water treatment plants
- Telecommunications networks
- Transportation infrastructure
The Lexington incident is part of the whole country’s cause to secure systems that communities use daily.
Importantly, the FBI has not publicly identified the Lexington case as terrorism, and has not indicated an intent to state a motive. Investigators are still working on all avenues.
Nebraska and Federal Laws Related to Hazardous Devices.
Those who place hazardous devices at energy facilities may be subject to harsh criminal consequences.
Certain destructive devices are in Nebraska’s firearms category IV, which includes significant fines and imprisonment.
Nebraska laws also make it a crime to:
- Placing false bombs
- Threatening explosive attacks
- Having illegal explosives on someone.
- Failure to report stolen explosive material
The following may be possible penalties:
| Offense | Possible Penalty |
|---|---|
| Class IV Felony | up to 2 years in prison |
| Post-Release Supervision | up to 12 months |
| The financial penalties vary | up to $10,000. |
Federal charges could be even more important.
Federal charges, if they are brought, could carry sentences that are much longer than state charges, if brought, because prosecutors will rule on hazardous device charges if they believe it is targeting energy infrastructure that has been part of the definition of energy infrastructure since the 2012 Criminal Energy Infrastructure Protection Act. Federal laws can have a 20 year or higher sentence in serious cases.
These repercussions show why the FBI still has resources dedicated to solving the case.
How the FBI Handles Evidence in Cases Like These.
Many people think that investigations come to a halt once arrest is not made right away. In practice, the investigation of hazardous devices can last for a number of years.
Once a device is deemed safe, forensic analysts generally perform detailed analysis.
Evidence collection could involve:
- Fingerprint recovery
- DNA testing
- Chemical residue analysis
- Tool mark examination
- Electronic component tracing
- Purchase history investigations
Often, evidence is submitted to special laboratories such as the FBI Laboratory at Quantico, Virginia for identification of materials and manufacturing processes.
Years after the crime, modern forensic methods have been able to solve cases. One DNA hit, a surveillance photo, a witness statement.One DNA hit, surveillance photo, witness statement.
The FBI’s ongoing public appeals indicate there is likely more information to be found in the community.
What Lexington Residents Should Do:
The September 2024 incident poses no current public threat, federal authorities have said. However, awareness is still crucial.
Residents should:
- Report any suspicious activity around utility facilities.
- Do not handle unknown packages or devices.
- If a suspicious object is found, call the emergency services.
- Check any previous security footage from September 2024, if applicable.
- Report observations, if any, that could be helpful to investigators.
Public cooperation is key to critical infrastructure protection. The common scenario of successful investigations is to start with trivial information that witnesses might not have thought much about at first.
The FBI is still asking for the public’s assistance in any unusual activities, which may have occurred in the hours before or after the incident, with residents across Lexington, Dawson County, and communities all across Nebraska.
The FBI’s tips are submitted anonymously and confidentially.The FBI’s tips are anonymous and confidential.
Anyone with information about the Lexington hazardous device investigation can make contact with authorities directly.
FBI Online Tip Portal:
tips.fbi.gov
Contact the FBI National Tip Line:
1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
FBI Omaha Field Office:
(402) 493-8688
Persons can supply information anonymously if they want.
Investigators are particularly interested in the information relating to:
- Suspicious vehicles around 801 E Prospect Road
- Persons talking about attacks on energy facilities
- Ex-employees and/or contractors with pertinent knowledge
- The video footage from September 2024 has been released.The surveillance video from September 2024 was released.
- Any observation that is not reported above.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the Lexington Nebraska hazardous device FBI case is still active and a federal case. The situation that started with the discovery of a dangerous device at the Black Hills Energy site near 801 E Prospect Road has morphed into a long-term investigation that includes some federal specialists, forensic experts and public appeals for help.
No arrests have been made but authorities are still working to gather information which might help them identify the suspects. This case serves as a reminder of the need to secure critical infrastructure in a community of this size, Lexington.
If you were around at the time who may have noticed something suspicious as early as early September 2024, one detail might be relevant. Twenty almost months later, the FBI keeps promoting, looking for understanding and justice to be served.
FAQ Section
What happened at the Black Hills Energy site in Lexington?
Lexington Nebraska Hazardous Device FBI: A hazardous device was discovered near the Black Hills Energy facility on Sept. 4, 2024, near 801 E Prospect Road in Lexington, Nebraska.
Was anyone injured in the Lexington Nebraska hazardous device case?
No injuries, explosions or utility outages were reported by authorities.
Is the FBI still investigating the Lexington case in 2026?
Yes. The investigation remains active in 2026 and the FBI is still requesting information from the public.
What is considered a hazardous device by the FBI?
The term can include improvised explosive devices, chemical dispersal devices, incendiary devices and other dangerous assemblies.
Why is the Lexington case considered federal?
The incident involved critical energy infrastructure, which falls under federal protection and investigation standards.
Can people submit tips anonymously?
Yes. The FBI says tips can be submitted anonymously and confidentially.
What information is the FBI looking for?
The FBI is interested in surveillance footage, suspicious vehicles, dashcam records and unusual activity around Sept. 3–5, 2024.
Where can tips be submitted?
Tips can be submitted through:
- FBI Online Tip Portal: tips.fbi.gov
- FBI National Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI
- FBI Omaha Field Office: (402) 493-8688