Man Detonates Pipe Bomb Near Times Square
The explosion happened around 7:30 a.m. Monday at the Port Authority bus and subway station in Midtown.
- By Jessica Davis
- Dec 11, 2017
[UPDATED Dec. 11, 2017 at 9:16 a.m.]
One suspect is in custody and four people are injured after an explosion early Monday at a subway station near Times Square in New York City.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 27-year-old Akayed Ullah, who acted alone.
The suspect “was wearing an improvised, low-tech explosive device attached to his body. He intentionally detonated that device," NYPD Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said.
The suspect set off the device in an underground passageway between transit lines at about 7:30 a.m. He was taken into custody and transferred to a hospital for his injuries, which included burns and lacerations.
All other injuries have been reported as non-life-threatening and consistent with being near an explosion, such as headaches and ringing in the ears.
“This was an attempted terrorist attack,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
Officials have said the suspect was inspired by the Islamic State group but had apparently had not had any direct contact with the group.
According to de Blasio, “at this point in time, all we know of is one individual” carrying out the attack.
“Thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals,” De Blasio said. “Thank God our first responders were there so quickly, to address the situation.”
Original story posted below.
The New York Police Department responded to an explosion near Times Square Monday morning. Police say they have a male suspect in custody who sustained a minor injury.
The explosion happened around 7:30 a.m. Monday at the Port Authority bus and subway station in Midtown. Officials said a pipe bomb that was strapped to a man went off in the New York City subway, injuring the suspect and another person during the height of the morning rush hour.
Officials said that the explosion was believed to be an “intentional act.” NYPD and FBI are investigating whether the suspect acted alone with a single incendiary device or whether it was part of a larger plot.