- A shooting broke out in a subway station in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday morning (local time).
- According to authorities, at least 23 people were injured. Initially, there was talk of 16 injuries.
- The police are not assuming an act of terrorism. However, the exact background is still unclear.
Ten of the injured suffered gunshot wounds, five were in critical but not life-threatening condition, the police and fire department said at a press conference a few hours after the incident. 13 other people were either injured rushing out of the station or suffered from smoke inhalation.
In an initial report, the New York police even spoke of several fatalities, but then withdrew the report.
Fugitive offender is considered dangerous
The perpetrator is still on the run. Police Chief Keechant Sewell said the man suddenly put on a type of gas mask on an N-Manhattan train just before the 36th Street station and then opened a canister that emitted fog or smoke. Then he opened fire. His motive is so far unclear.
Legend:
Police officers at the subway station where the shooting happened.
Reuters
The shooter was “dangerous,” New York State Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters. Authorities urged all citizens to be “very careful and vigilant.”
Mayor: “Subway is safe”
Despite the incident, the New York City subway is safe, according to Mayor Eric Adams. When asked by a CNN anchor if it was safe for New Yorkers to take the subway home, to work, or to pick up the kids, Adams replied, “Yes, it is. I take the subway very often to send this message out.”
According to a spokesman for the fire brigade, several “unexploded” suspected explosive devices were found on site after the shooting. Shortly thereafter, the police reported on Twitter that there were no longer any active explosive devices in the subway station. There were numerous delays and failures in the subway system.
US President Biden is informed about the incident
US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting in a New York subway station. Senior White House officials are in contact with New York Mayor Eric Adams and police leadership, Biden spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Twitter. The federal government stands ready to provide the New York authorities with any assistance they may need.