The explosion at New York City’s Port Authority subway terminal was an attempted terrorist attack, authorities have confirmed.
The Independent reports that Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed that the explosion was an attempt at terrorism, but said there were no other credible threats to the city at this time.
Four people were injured in the rush-hour blast in one of New York’s major transit centres, authorities said. Three commuters suffered minor injuries, while the alleged attacker’s injuries were more severe.
The alleged attacker has been identified as 27-year-old Akayed Ullah, Police Commissioner James O’Neill said. Asked if the alleged attacker had ties to Isis, Mr O’Neill said Mr Ullah had made statements, but declined to elaborate as to what they were. Mr O’Neill said the alleged attacker had been transported to Bellevue Hospital with burns and other wounds.
Mr Ullah was allegedly wearing a “low-tech explosive device” strapped to his body with velcro and zip ties, Mr O’Neill said. Police responded to the explosion caused by the device at approximately 7:20 am ET.
Governor Andrew Cuomo urged New Yorkers to return to work, saying: “We’re not going to allow them to disrupt us. That is exactly what they want, and that is exactly what they’re not going to get.”
More to come…
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