Seized Time Fuses from Iowa Bomb Plot

FBI Agent Mike Casper briefs Bartlet and Leo in the Oval Office on time fuses seized alongside explosives and pipes from Iowa suspects during a foiled bombing operation. The fuses, critical detonation components, materialize as hard evidence of the neutralized domestic threat. Bartlet cracks a wry joke amid the report, easing tension before Jerry's alert on a missing plane shatters the relief.

2 appearances

Purpose

Detonation mechanism for pipe bombs in terrorist plot

Significance

Confirms FBI success in thwarting Iowa attack, delivers momentary victory for Bartlet administration before Ben Yosef plane crisis erupts

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E4 · The Red Mass

Iowa Raid Debrief — A Moment of Relief, Then a Missing Plane

Time fuses are recited in the debrief as part of the seized detonation system, demonstrating sophistication of the plot and underscoring the immediacy of the threat that was neutralized.

Before: Located in the suspects' house and intended for use in timed detonation.

After: Confiscated by the FBI and catalogued as evidence presented to senior White House staff.

View full event

S4E4 · The Red Mass

From Domestic Victory to Diplomatic Emergency — Ben Yosef's Missing Plane

Time fuses listed by Casper serve as concrete proof of a timed bombing plan; their mention raises the operational seriousness and justifies the FBI's raid and White House attention.

Before: At the suspects' residence, assembled for use with explosive devices.

After: Seized and entered into evidence by federal investigators.

View full event