"So, was there shrapnel in the psycho's bomb?"
Obviously it has not been proven there were nails or other projectiles in the bomb. That determination obviously relies upon the FBI's investigations into this matter - and the investigation file (including the search warrant) is currently sealed upon the request of the DOJ.
There is circumstantial evidence that has been collected by reputable sources that indicates there is evidence of a metallic substance and holes on the tree by the bench. Here are some links to the available information regarding this particular point:
1.) 13 Plastic Bottles Found in Hinrichs' Car; Lots of Small, Round Holes Seen in Tree Near Bomb Site - http://tapscottscopydesk.blogspot.com/2005/10/13-plastic-bottles-found-in-hinrichs.html
2.) "No Holes" - http://acornsfromanokie.typepad.com/acorns_from_an_okie/2005/10/no_shrapnel_at_.html
3.) Rebuttal: "There ARE Holes" - http://tapscottscopydesk.blogspot.com/2005/10/there-are-holes-in-hinrichs-tree.html
BTW: Mark Tapscott is a veteran journalist and states the following in his bio on his site. "I've been a newspaper journalist most of my professional life. Now, as Director of The Heritage Foundation's Center for Media and Public Policy, I teach Computer-Assisted Research and Reporting (CARR) to journalists as a means of empowering greater independence in the media"
He is hardly a "hack" so I would tend to trust his investigative reporting on this matter over numerous other sources out there right now. He has a TON of other related entries on his blog that are first rate, IMHO.
One that stands out is the following:
10 Reasons Why a Hinrichs Terrorist Link Seems Like the Most Plausible Possible Explanation - http://tapscottscopydesk.blogspot.com/2005/10/10-reasons-why-hinrichs-terrorist-link.html
Thanks for the ping on this...the Freepers have done a better job than this newspaper in uncovering facts.
So now we're rumor mongers, although the questions we raised, the eye-witness account of the OU worker who turned Joel away, the large amount of explosives, the radical MSA connection, etc...should just be dismissed?
Why? More questions than answers remain. Sealed warrant? For what reason?
It is illogical to suggest that Joel was acting alone in a lone suicide bid.
I too think that this case is being dismissed and covered up.