Two Killed, Others Injured In Possible Act Of Terrorism
Authorities in upstate New York are investigating a deadly incident less than an hour after midnight on New Year’s Day as a possible act of domestic terrorism.
According to reports, a concert at the Kodak Center in Rochester had just ended and hundreds of attendees were leaving the venue when an SUV sped toward the crowd being ushered across the street by law enforcement officers on the scene.
Police say another car was pulling out at the time, resulting in a collision with the Ford Expedition that sent both vehicles hurtling toward the pedestrians and finally crashing into two other automobiles parked nearby.
Authorities say the rented SUV was filled with explosives and the pileup triggered a massive explosion that continued burning for almost an hour after firefighters arrived.
Two occupants of the second vehicle were killed and its driver was transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive. Three pedestrians were directly hit by the crashing cars and sustained life-threatening injuries while several others were hurt less severely.
Police identified the driver of the SUV as Michael Avery, explaining that he was transported to the hospital following the crash and later died of his injuries.
Investigators say they discovered multiple containers of gasoline inside and around the Expedition following the crash and explosion. A suicide note and journal was reportedly found at the hotel room Avery rented near the site of the incident.
The band that performed just prior to the incident released a statement, lamenting: “On a night that was meant for celebration and togetherness, we are faced instead with a tragedy that defies understanding. Take care of yourselves and each other, as we navigate this time together.”
Amid increased protests since the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel in October, authorities in New York City indicated that they had been preparing for possible threats coinciding with New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“The groups that have regularly protested, in regards to Israel [and] Palestine, have been 1,000 to 5,000 on occasion, and we’re prepared for them at any number,” explained New York Police Department Assistant Chief John Hart. “We’re prepared for different groups from different places and we will make sure this even stays safe and peaceful.”
As for the motive behind Monday’s incident in Rochester, police say the matter remains under investigation.
