Meridian Police Chief Benny Dubose tells WTOK authorities found guns, ammo, bomb-making supplies, bullet proof vests and a flame-thrower inside Mariner Durant's house while investigating his apparent suicide.

Durant was found dead in the woods near his house on 14th Avenue Monday. Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler says the fatal gunshot wound appears to self-inflicted.

Investigators also recovered an AR-15 rifle and a suicide note. A bomb squad cleared the area and removed some type of an explosive device.

Chief Dubose also confirms state and local authorities swept local polling places Tuesday morning and deemed them safe. The chief says the sweep was done as a precaution following the suicide and what was recovered in the investigation.

Durant was a Libertarian candidate for mayor until early May when he withdrew from the race. Durant dropped out of the race before the May primary citing "safety reasons."

Multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which is the lead agency.

Dubose says the MPD assisted in helping remove bomb making materials from the home Monday and waited for a bomb squad.

Newscenter 11 reached out to Durant's family. Members told us off-camera that Durant's death is still fresh and the family is grieving together. The family asked for prayer. No plans for funeral arrangements were immediately announced. Residents of the area offered their condolences.