2010 Times Square car bombing attempt: Difference between revisions
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==Incident== |
==Incident== |
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At around 6:30 p.m. EST, on the evening of May 1, 2010, two NYPD police officers observed an unknown individual behaving in a suspicious manner near a [[Nissan Pathfinder]] [[SUV]]. As the officers watched, the man became aware of their attention and immediately fled the area. The officers then approached the Pathfinder to investigate, and observed smoke, canisters, and something apparently burning. The officers immediately called for backup, a [[bomb disposal]] team, and the [[New York City Fire Department]]. |
At around 6:30 p.m. EST, on the evening of May 1, 2010, two NYPD police officers observed an unknown individual behaving in a suspicious manner near a [[Nissan Pathfinder]] [[SUV]]. As the officers watched, the man became aware of their attention and immediately fled the area. The officers then approached the Pathfinder to investigate, and observed smoke, canisters, and something apparently burning. The officers immediately called for backup, a [[bomb disposal]] team, and the [[New York City Fire Department]]. |
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==Investigation== |
==Investigation== |
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Federal officials were informed of the incident and were involved in the investigation, although initial reports indicated that it did not appear to be a terrorist threat.<ref name=nytimes1 /> Kevin Barry, a former supervisor in the New York Police Department bomb squad, reported that the [[improvised explosive device]] had malfunctioned and "failed to function the main charge."<ref name=nytimes1 /> |
Federal officials were informed of the incident and were involved in the investigation, although initial reports indicated that it did not appear to be a terrorist threat.<ref name=nytimes1 /> Kevin Barry, a former supervisor in the New York Police Department bomb squad, reported that the [[improvised explosive device]] had malfunctioned and "failed to function the main charge."<ref name=nytimes1 /> |
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Revision as of 08:18, 2 May 2010
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (May 2010) |
| May 1, 2010 Times Square bomb scare | |
|---|---|
| Location | Times Square, New York City |
| Date | May 1, 2010 6:30 p.m (UTC-5) |
Attack type | bombing |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Injured | 0 |
| Perpetrator | Unknown |
The May 1, 2010 Times Square bomb scare was a failed car bombing and possible act of terrorism in Times Square, in New York City, that was prevented, with apparently just seconds to spare, by two police officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).[1] It was successfully disarmed and there were no casualties.[2]
Incident
At around 6:30 p.m. EST, on the evening of May 1, 2010, two NYPD police officers observed an unknown individual behaving in a suspicious manner near a Nissan Pathfinder SUV. As the officers watched, the man became aware of their attention and immediately fled the area. The officers then approached the Pathfinder to investigate, and observed smoke, canisters, and something apparently burning. The officers immediately called for backup, a bomb disposal team, and the New York City Fire Department.
An area stretching from 43rd Street to 49th Street on Seventh Avenue, and 45th Street from Seventh Avenue to Eighth Avenue, was quickly evacuated of all vehicle and foot traffic, and barricaded. Several buildings near the vehicle, including the New York Marriott Marquis hotel that the Pathfinder was parked in front of, were also evacuated.[3] Pedestrians moved away included some of those attending Broadway performances.[2]
Upon arrival, the bomb disposal team utilized a remote-controlled robotic device to explore the vehicle. They found gunpowder, two five-gallon cans of gasoline, three propane tanks, electrical wiring, and possible detonator with a clock attached. A bomb disposal expert with information on the contents found indicated that the design of the device was more consistent with that of an incendiary device than that of a traditional bomb.[2]
For reasons not yet known, the device's ignition source failed to set if off as intended, possibly due to the suspect being interrupted by the police officers. The Pathfinder was determined to be stolen, and had invalid license plates that did not match the Pathfinder's registration.
Reaction
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYPD Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly were in Washington, D.C. to attend an event at the White House, but returned immediately to New York after they were informed of the incident. United States President Barack Obama was also briefed on the incident and has pledged federal assistance in the investigation.
Hundreds of tourists and residents alike were barred entry to the area for some time, stranding some from their hotel rooms or preventing them from attending many of the Broadway events, most of which continued anyway for those able to get in, up to 30 minutes late. The many onlookers filled area tables outside the evacuated area, while some of those closer in tried to closely watch the investigation or take pictures with their mobile phones.
Investigation
Federal officials were informed of the incident and were involved in the investigation, although initial reports indicated that it did not appear to be a terrorist threat.[2] Kevin Barry, a former supervisor in the New York Police Department bomb squad, reported that the improvised explosive device had malfunctioned and "failed to function the main charge."[2]
Law enforcement officials are reviewing security camera footage from the area, and have contacted the registered owner of the Pathfinder, who does not appear to be involved in the incident.[2]
The car bore license plates belonging to another vehicle.[2]
References
- ^ "Suspicious car leads to closure of Times Square". CNN. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ a b c d e f g AL BAKER and KARIN HENRY, "Police Discover Car Bomb in Times Square and Clear Area", New York Times, May 1, 2010 [1]
- ^ "Cops stop Times Square car bomb from detonating; Robot finds gun powder, wires in car". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2010-05-02.