Aspen officials said today that the city would launch its New Year’s Eve fireworks a day late.
The planned festivities were postponed last night when a man delivered gift-wrapped explosives to several banks in Aspen threatening “mass death” if his demands for money were not met.
James Blanning, 72, was later found dead in his car of a self-inflicted wound after his extortion attempt failed, according to police.
The threats shut down Aspen’s main downtown district overnight on New Year’s Eve, costing businesses millions of dollars, according to Aspen police spokesman Bill Linn.
Many out-of-town guests were expected to celebrate the New Year tonight, said Debbie Braun, president and chief executive of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
The fireworks will be launched over Aspen Mountain.
Greg Griffin: 303-954-1241 or ggriffin@denverpost.com.
