Update (2:20 p.m.): Times Square is empty, except for NYPD officers.
Times Square empty. Car still on scene. NYPD at every corner @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/zmlpAB715Y
— Alice Gainer (@GainerTV) May 18, 2017
MSNBC’s Chris Hayes makes a snide comment. “This horible event in Times Square looks like DWI, which kills *thousands of more people a year than terrorism* so we can ignore it,” the reporter quipped.
This horrible event in Times Square looks like DWI, which kills *thousands of more people a year than terrorism* so we can ignore it.
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) May 18, 2017
In all fairness, the media does emphasize terror attacks more, because they are more coordinated and terrifying. Perhaps there is a double standard — after all, people were injured and one killed in this attack.
“We feel deeply for those injured and particularly for the family of the young women who was lost. Our prayers are with all of them,” tweeted New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.
We feel deeply for those injured and particularly for the family of the young woman who was lost. Our prayers are with all of them.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 18, 2017
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke with a victim.
Gov Cuomo speaks with a victim of today's Times Square incident pic.twitter.com/7lXFCniOao
— Melissa DeRosa (@melissadderosa) May 18, 2017
Original story.
One person has died and at least 20 people have been injured after a huge car crash in Times Square in New York City.
A red Honda Accord came smashing into the iconic area of the Big Apple before it came to a stop by crashing into steel barriers at 45th and 7th Avenue, CBS News New York reported.
The NYPD reported that the motive is not terror, but possibly a DWI. The driver, a 26-year-old man from the Bronx, has two prior DWIs, according to the NYPD. He has been taken into custody and is currently being tested for drugs and alcohol.
The police department also reported the crash is “believed to be an isolated incident.”
https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/865248340899975170
“Everyone was just kind of hanging out and the car just came and hit the pole out of nowhere,” a witness said, according to CBS News. “People were going to the scene to check it out. There was actually a guy trapped in the car. Within 45 seconds [first responders] were on the scene.”
“People were concerned it was gonna be a bomb,” the witness added.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer announced that President Trump has been made aware of the situation.
.@POTUS has been made aware of the situation in Times Square and will continue to receive updates
— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) May 18, 2017
“I’m scared, it’s very surprising but scary at the same time,” another witness said. “Just how one person may end up doing this out of the blue.” He recalled hearing a “huge bang” when the crash happened.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he will be holding a news conference shortly.
In Times Square getting briefed by the NYPD. pic.twitter.com/xUR4kAPBnZ
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 18, 2017
This post will be updated, but in the meantime, check out NBC News’s Facebook Live reporting below.
Report: Multiple People Struck In Times Square
UPDATED: 1 person is dead and 22 others injured after a car plowed into pedestrians in Times Square. A suspect – identified as Richard Rojas, 26, from the Bronx – is in custody. Police say suspect has no apparent connection to terrorism, and was arrested on driving while intoxicated charges in 2008 and 2015. More: http://cbsloc.al/2qxjEs0
Posted by CBS New York on Thursday, May 18, 2017
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