Suspects' Abandoned Van in Sacramento

FBI agents locate the suspects' van abandoned in Sacramento, turning it into the crisis's central clue. Nancy briefs the Situation Room: Bartlet, Fitzwallace, Leo, and an aide absorb details on its rental and the suspects' escape amid Pacific Northwest downpours that threaten searches. The vehicle prompts urgent questions and drives immediate action.

2 appearances

Purpose

Transportation rented by the five missing suspects before abandonment

Significance

Triggers Threat Condition Bravo elevation, nationwide manhunt orders, and heightened airport and seaport security, shifting the response from intelligence review to active pursuit

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E22 · Commencement

Abandoned Van in Sacramento — Five Suspects Missing; Threat Condition Bravo

The abandoned van discovered in Sacramento functions as the pivot of the briefing: physical evidence that converts scattered intelligence into an immediate manhunt, raises procedural questions about rental records, and anchors decisions about resource deployment.

Before: Rented by unknown suspects and later abandoned in Sacramento; in FBI custody but investigation ongoing.

After: Identified and reported to the Situation Room; now being processed as evidence and a locus for tracing suspects' movements.

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S4E22 · Commencement

Elevating to Threat Condition Bravo — Manhunt Escalates

The suspects' abandoned van in Sacramento is the catalytic piece of physical evidence Nancy reports. Its discovery converts diffuse concern into actionable intelligence, prompting the President to authorize a higher alert level and launch coordinated searches and security measures.

Before: Recently discovered by FBI agents; located abandoned in Sacramento and under initial federal review.

After: Designated as key evidence and subject to processing and follow-up investigation as part of the nationwide manhunt.

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