2 pipe bombs found at a Wisconsin National Guard compound

July 19, 2000
Web posted at: 4:10 p.m. EDT (2010 GMT)

MILWAUKEE (CNN) -- Two pipe bombs were discovered Wednesday at an Air National Guard base in Milwaukee near graffiti opposing U.S. involvement in Kosovo.

Air National Guard security personnel noticed the graffiti on two buildings at about 5 a.m. and a short time later tried to stop an unauthorized man on the base.

The man fled from security personnel, dropping a bag in a field area of the base before departing base property, according to FBI Special Agent Brian Manganello. He said the man was described as a clean-shaven white male, about 6 feet and weighing 200-210 pounds.

The bag contained two pipe bombs that were turned over to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's bomb squad who have "rendered the devices safe," he said.

Graffiti was painted on two buildings and a satellite dish on the base, which is home of the 128th Air Refueling Wing and part of Milwaukee's civilian airport, Mitchell Field.

Another FBI official said that one of the graffiti slogans said, "Free Kosovo."

The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, working with the Air National Guard and the local sheriff's department, Manganello said.

Similar graffiti was found elsewhere in the Milwaukee area recently, but investigators do not know if the two incidents are connected.

CNN Producer Chris Plante contributed to this report.

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