Did he mean for his bombs to go off or

[jberryhill]

4. It. Doesn't. Matter.

First off, please understand: It makes no difference to anything of consequence. He sent explosive material through the US mail for the purpose of creating alarm and fear.

My opinion is that he did not make functional devices, and that he knew his devices were not functional. If you really try to make a functional bomb, as someone without relevant knowledge and experience, you are most likely to hurt yourself before you manage to hurt anyone else.

One thing you'll find missing from the subsequent findings is any mention of him going out and testing any devices prior to making and sending these.

But, again, it really doesn't matter one way or another whether he meant for his bombs to go off. Some people here at DU have an odd emotional attachment to the notion, because it makes some sort of difference to them.