Authorities find van with explosives amid Philadelphia protests

Authorities responding to a third night of protests Wednesday night in Philadelphia over the fatal police shooting of black male discovered a van filled with explosives, according to several news reports.

The content of the van included propane tanks, torches and possibly sticks of dynamite, according to ABC News. 

The protests, which have included looting and clashes with police officers, follow police Monday afternoon fatally shooting a West Philadelphia resident, identified as Walter Wallace Jr., after he refused to drop a knife and moved toward them.

Police on Wednesday night appeared to have stopped some of the widespread looting on Tuesday night. City officials on Wednesday afternoon imposed a curfew.  

Gov. Tom Wolfe and Philadelphia Mayor Mayor Jim Kenney each said the state National Guard has been activated and will assist in trying to control the violence and destruction associated with the demonstrations. 

At least 50 officers have been injured and more than 100 arrests have been made in connection with the demonstrations, according to news reports.