Video released of blast, suspect vehicle at Georgia Guidestones

The mysterious landmark, partially destroyed, has now been demolished for safety reasons, officials say

The GBI has released surveillance video from Wednesday morning’s explosion that destroyed a mysterious Northeast Georgia landmark. The videos show the explosion at Georgia Guidestones and a car leaving the scene shortly after. No one was injured in the blast. For safety reasons, the structure has been completely demolished, officials say.

People in the area reported being awakened by a blast around 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 6. The Guidestones sat in a field near Elberton, visible from Ga. Highway 77.

When Elbert County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene, they discovered “a large portion of the structure” had been destroyed, says GBI Director of Public Affairs Nelly Miles.

There was a heavy emergency response at the scene with personnel from the sheriff’s office, Elberton police, Georgia State Patrol, and GBI, among others, responding. The GBI bomb squad was called in to examine the site.

Michael Weis captured video of the scene as he drove past Wednesday morning.

Mystery and controversy

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation bomb squad examined the site where the mysterious Georgia Guidestones were blown up on the morning of July 6, 2022. (GBI photo)

The Georgia Guidestones have been called “America’s Stonehenge,” in part because of the mystery that surrounds them. The granite monoliths were commissioned to be built in 1980 by someone under the name of R.C. Christian. They’re engraved with messages in twelve different languages.

According to ExploreGeorgia.org, the writing is a “10-part message espousing the conservation of mankind and future generations.” The Guidestones were also arranged to serve as an astronomical calendar. Each day at noon the sun would shine through a narrow hole in the structure and illuminate the day’s date on an engraving.

Far-right conservatives have attacked the Guidestones as being cultish and satanic. Former Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Kandiss Taylor vowed to demolish them if she was elected.

Officials say the partially destroyed Guideposts were demolished “for safety reasons.” (GBI photo)

Some conservative bloggers and commentators cheered the explosion on social media with one saying he had “prayed for this.”

Authorities have not made any arrests. Miles says it’s an “active and ongoing” investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 283-2421 or the GBI Athens Office at (706) 552-2309.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the GBI by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.