Mark Lennihan/AP
One person is in custody Monday morning after police responded to reports of an explosion underneath New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal—a major transportation hub in midtown Manhattan that connects commuter buses and multiple subway lines. The incident, which occurred at approximately 7:20 am in the passageway along 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, halted an already hectic rush hour commute, and forced hundreds to evacuate the subway system.
The New York Police Department identified the suspect as 27-year-old Akayed Ullah. Officials say he intentionally detonated a “low-tech” pipe bomb device that was affixed to his body using a combination of velcro and zip-ties.
“This was an attempted terrorist attack,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a press conference. “Thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals. Thank god our first responders were there so quickly to address the situation and make sure people are safe.”
The suspect was taken to Bellevue Hospital after sustaining burns to the hands and abdomen. Three other people suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Update regarding explosion at 42nd St and 8th Ave, in subway: One male suspect is in custody. No injuries other than suspect at this time. Avoid the area. Subways bypassing #PortAuthority and Times Square Stations. Info is preliminary. pic.twitter.com/bEAdjq8mYc
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 11, 2017
Video shows massive response in New York City after explosion inside Port Authority Bus Terminal; suspect taken into custody, police say. https://t.co/jQ1LnZFyzy pic.twitter.com/4BNWLg1rQb
— ABC News (@ABC) December 11, 2017
This is a breaking news story. We will update as more information becomes available.
