Arlington County authorities have concluded that the house explosion that occurred six months ago in Virginia was a deliberate act carried out by 56-year-old James Yoo. Police confirmed on Friday that Yoo intentionally ignited gasoline canisters in his basement, causing the devastating blast.

The incident initially came to the attention of police when Yoo was spotted firing a flare gun from the back of his duplex into a nearby school and park on December 4. Despite attempts to establish communication with Yoo, officers were unable to make contact. Consequently, they obtained a search warrant and employed an armored vehicle to breach the front door of the house.

Once inside the residence, officers heard gunshots and shortly after, the entire house exploded. Thankfully, none of the first responders sustained major injuries, though some officers sought medical attention in the days following the incident.

In the course of their investigation, authorities uncovered evidence of Yoo's paranoia and mental health issues, although a specific motive remains unclear. The case is not connected to any form of terrorism, and Yoo acted alone, according to FBI counterterrorism agent Sanjay Virmani.

During a news conference on Friday, police presented dramatic footage captured on police dash cams and body-worn cameras. The videos showcased the terrifying moments of the explosion as well as the distress caused by Yoo's flare gun shots, including children in a nearby park.

Records indicate that Yoo had a history of erratic behavior and frequently contacted the FBI, making allegations of being a victim of fraud and conspiracy schemes. He also filed federal lawsuits, which were dismissed as frivolous or described as "convoluted" and "confused" by judges. One lawsuit even claimed that he had been committed against his will.

Investigators have determined that Yoo intentionally started the fire that led to the explosion. They discovered gasoline canisters with a capacity of 35 gallons stored in his basement. However, the exact method of ignition remains unknown. It is speculated that the fire and subsequent explosion may have been initiated by gunshots igniting gasoline vapors or by a simple match or lighter.

Authorities attempted to force Yoo out of the house by using pepper spray and tear gas, but clarified that these chemicals are non-flammable. As a precaution, they also disconnected the natural gas supply to the residence early in the standoff.

While a specific motive may never be fully understood, this tragic incident highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those in need. The investigation into the case is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the fatal house explosion in Arlington.