Times Square Explosion - Police and Homeland Security Investigating
Explosion in Times Square near military recruiting centre
Earlier this morning a small bomb was thrown into the window of a military recruiting center in Times Square. Police have blocked off the area, but subway service has been restored - with delays.
AP News - Times Square ExplosionDetails are still sketchy, but here's what we know so far. The building, a military recruiting center, is on a traffic island between Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Times Square - an area often referred to as the crossroads of the world. A tourist hot-spot, it's also been the site of many anti-war demonstrations.
A glass entryway was shattered, but no injuries have been reported. The bomb squad and police force have closed off streets in the area between 42nd Street and 44th Street while they continue searching the area.
More than a dozen subway lines were initially affected: the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, S and Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 7. All run through Times Square. Subway service on those lines, as well as Nos. 4, 5 and 6 lines (these run through Grand Central Terminal) were suspended at 4:24 a.m., but most lines have been restored.
Reuters reported that the Department of Homeland Security is monitoring and investigating the situation and said it's too early to speculate whether the incident is terrorism related.
In 1999, the recruiting station underwent renovations to better blend into the glitzy ambience of Times Square, employing neon tubing and a glass/steel front with a patriotic American flag motif. The center averages approx. 10,000 volunteers a year, setting national records for enlistment, according to the Associated Press.
If you're in New York City or near Times Square this morning, leave us an update. What's the mood like in the area?
Comments
Post new comment