Security Incident at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant

Actually, not really. It looks like the 23-year-old male under question joked to a gas clerk that he "hoped he wouldn't blow up the place" on his first day.

After an investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it was determined that it was just a misunderstanding.

Around 7:17 a.m. a man walked into a convenience store located near the power plant and asked the clerk for directions to Nuclear Road, where the plant is located.

The clerk gave him directions and the pair had a short conversation. As the man was leaving the store, the clerk heard him say that he "came to blow up the place."

As the man left, the clerk got a description of the vehicle and subject and reported it to police.

The Point Beach Nuclear Plant quickly took steps to make sure their facility was secure. Workers were evacuated for nearly three hours as officials pieced together the story.

Using surveillance video at the gas station, investigators tracked down the man's vehicle. They located it in the parking lot of the power plant.

The car was rented in Milwaukee by a 23-year-old male from Hull, Massachusetts, who was conducting work at the nuclear plant under contract.

After being interviewed by the FBI, the man admitted the conversation with the gas station clerk took place. However, he said he "hoped he wouldn't blow up the place" as it was his first day working at the facility. According to the man, he had told the clerk that "they don't allow him to push any buttons anyway."

The man's vehicle was searched and it was determined that no threats were present. No charges are being pursued in this incident.

Obviously the 23-year old had not yet learned how serious the industry takes its security. Now he knows. Welcome to the nuclear industry!