NYPD Responding to Shooting, Explosive Devices in Subway [UPDATED]

UPDATE, 12:37 p.m.: Fox News reported that schools within the 20-block radius of the investigation are still on lockdown.

UPDATE, 12:25 p.m.: Here are some details from the press conference that officials held shortly after noon.

Mayor Eric Adams was unable to attend as he’s recovering from COVID-19, but Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo noted that all agencies have worked together and that the city is making resources available to complete the investigation.

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell gave the facts of the case as authorities know them now: a man on the subway car donned a gas mask, opened a canister that was in his backpack, and opened fire as smoke filled the car. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’5″, wearing a green construction vest over a green hoodie. She wouldn’t speculate on motives at this time.

Gov. Kathy Hochul stepped up and spoke in a way that was much more fiery than the “just the facts” demeanor of everyone else at the presser. She promised the full resources of the state to fight crime. “It has to end, and end now,” she proclaimed. “We want to get back to normal.”

A representative of FDNY gave an update on casualties: 16 victims, 10 of whom had gunshot wounds. Five victims are in critical but stable condition, and others have minor injuries.

A Metropolitan Transit Authority representative noted that certain subway services have been suspended, while others are running. He called today a “disrupted day,” and noted that seeing New Yorkers helping each other reminded him of the solidarity surrounding Sept. 11, 2001.

UPDATE, 11:43 a.m.: Reports are coming from three different hospitals of 16 injuries relating to shots, falls, and smoke inhalation. Doctors believe that none of the injuries are life-threatening.

UPDATE, 11:01 a.m.: According to Harris Faulkner at Fox News, the NYPD is alerting residents to avoid a roughly 20-block area of Brooklyn. It’s not clear whether that alert is related to the shooting investigation, but it’s noteworthy that it’s happening so close to the scene of the shooting.

(Here’s some perspective for non-urban dwellers: that 20-block radius is roughly 2 miles long by half a mile wide.)

Another report is that the surveillance camera nearest to the incident wasn’t operating property, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

UPDATE, 10:54 a.m.: NYU Langone Hospital is reporting that all of the victims who have been brought in are in stable condition.

A press conference is forthcoming, but there’s no announced time for it yet.

Original report:

An unidentified person shot five people at a subway station in Brooklyn during rush hour. Police are responding to the attack.

“Fire personnel responding to reports of smoke at the 36th Street station in the Sunset Park neighborhood found multiple people shot and undetonated devices, a New York City Fire Department spokesperson said,” reports the Associated Press. “The fire department said 13 people were injured, but there were no details on what those injuries entailed.”

The NYPD has also stated that the suspect is still at large and has urged everyone to avoid the area. Early reports (and these are very preliminary and subject to change) from witnesses state that the suspect was wearing a construction vest and gas mask as he or she fled.

“While we gather more information, we ask New Yorkers to stay away from this area for their safety and so that first responders can help those in need and investigate, read a statement from the office of Mayor Eric Adams.

Gov. Kathy Hochul says that she has been briefed on the shooting and that her office will assist in providing updates.

I have been briefed on this developing situation in Brooklyn. First responders are on the scene and we will work with @MTA & @NYPDnews to provide updates as the investigation continues. https://t.co/dM2hKnhoql

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 12, 2022

NYPD has confirmed that there are no active explosive devices in the subway system at this time.

In regard to the multiple people shot at the 36th Street subway station in Brooklyn, there are NO active explosive devices at this time. Any witnesses are asked to call @NYPDTips at #800577TIPS. Please stay clear of the area. More provided information when available. pic.twitter.com/8UoiCAXemB

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 12, 2022

A graphic photo from the scene shows bloodied passengers receiving medical attention from other commuters.

BREAKING 🇺🇲USA🇺🇲 : At least 5 people shot with reports of explosive devices found at a subway station in Brooklyn, New York.#BREAKING #Subway #NewYork #Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/hB7P71DwLu

— Zaid Ahmd  (@realzaidzayn) April 12, 2022

Other video surfacing on Twitter shows commuters fleeing in the midst of the chaos.