Suicide Bomber Strikes New York Subway
A man detonated a pipe bomb strapped to his body in a crowded New York subway passageway during the morning rush hour Monday, December 11 injuring three people – putting the city again on edge just 6 weeks after a deadly truck attack.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio called the bombing an “attempted terrorist attack,” and identified the 27-year-old suspect – who suffered serious injuries – as Akayed Ullah.
The blast took place in the subway station at the Port Authority bus terminal, not far from the city’s iconic Times Square, sparking commuter panic and travel disruptions.
Subway trains were bypassing the Port Authority and Times Square stations as the investigation unfolded.
The bomber was in custody and sent to a hospital with burns and wounds on his body.
The explosion rattled nerves in New York, which still bears the scars of the devastating September 11 attacks, as well as a truck attack on October 31 that left 8 dead on a bike path.
“This is New York. The reality is that we are a target by many who would like to make a statement against democracy, against freedom,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters.
“This was an attempted terrorist attack,” Mayor Bill de Blasio added. “Thank god the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals.”
New York police commissioner James O’Neill said the 27-year-old suspect had strapped the “improvised low-tech explosive device” to his body. He suffered burns to the hands and abdomen, as well as other injuries.
The other three people injured suffered ringing in the ears, headaches and other minor complaints.
Photos circulating on social media showed the man on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back and injuries to his torso.
