There is a mysterious shooting and vehicular attack that occurred in New York City earlier today. So far one person is being held by the NYPD. Here’s the latest from Reuters:
Police were unable to confirm if there were any injuries, but local media reported at least five, including possible fatalities. The incident took place near the West Side Highway and Chambers Street, police said.
An eyewitness told ABC Channel 7 that he saw a white pick-up truck drive south down the bike path alongside the West Side Highway at full speed and hit several people. The witness, a man identified by the name “Eugene,” said bodies were lying outside Stuyvesant High School, one of the city’s elite public schools.
He also reported hearing about nine or 10 shots, but was not sure where they came from.
The West Side Highway runs on the western edge of Manhattan, alongside the Hudson River.
Update 5:30 Eastern:
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Police Commissioner James O’Neil spoke to the press at 5:15. Mr. De Blasio confirmed that they consider this a terror attack and that the death toll is up to eight, with many more injured. Afterward, Governor Cuomo assured the public that there is no evidence of an ongoing threat, but that New Yorkers would see an increased security presence tonight. The driver steered his Home Depot rental truck down a bicycle lane, striking several cyclists, before colliding with a school bus and injuring two adults and two children. The police recovered both a pellet gun and a paintball gun. So far, it is too early to tell if this was a lone wolf attack or if it was connected to any organization.
As always, stay tuned to Liberty Nation for the latest developments on this story.
