2nd 'potential bomb' safely removed from Manhattan scene - police
A “potential” second explosive device has been safely removed by the NYPD Bomb Squad from a site near the Manhattan area which was hit by a probable homemade pipe bomb earlier in the day.
UPDATE: The suspicious device on West 27 Street in Chelsea has been safely removed by the NYPD Bomb Squad.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 18, 2016
As a “precautionary measure” the NYPD asked residents at the site of the second suspicious device on 27th Street to evacuate the area. People have beeg urged to stay away from windows as police proceed to “clear the suspicious package.”
A large police truck hauls second bomb in explosive container. #ChelseaExplosion#Chelsea#explosion@NYDailyNewspic.twitter.com/CSzNQXSVJb
— Edgar Sandoval (@edjsandoval) September 18, 2016
The suspicious package on 27th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues was discovered as authorities examined the area following the first “intentional” explosion that left 29 people injured in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
UPDATE: At least 29 injured in #IED blast in #Manhattan. NYPD investigate 2nd ‘potential device’ https://t.co/lbkMZ0hTCG
— RT (@RT_com) September 18, 2016
After the initial outdoor explosion occurred at 135 23rd Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, federal and city authorities established a safety parameter, within which they later discovered the second “suspicious” package.
CCTV camera captures alleged moment of #Manhattan#IED explosion (VIDEO) https://t.co/4h9U8fIHKMpic.twitter.com/5fDD1UyBfK
— RT (@RT_com) September 18, 2016
The second device a few blocks from the scene of a Manhattan explosion appears to be a pressure cooker attached to wiring and a cellphone, CNN reports citing sources.
BREAKING PHOTO! Here is the second device found by a NYSP Sgt. At 27 street and 7 Ave. investigation is ongoing pic.twitter.com/x7o9Rr30I3
— New York City Alerts (@NYCityAlerts) September 18, 2016
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and a New York arson and explosives task force are assisting in the the investigation. The NYPD stressed that despite the precautionary measures they were “not evacuating the area.”
MORE: Device found blocks away from explosion had wires attached, connected to cell phone, sources tell CNN
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) September 18, 2016
While NY city mayor Bill de Blasio previously claimed that there was “no specific and credible threat against New York City,” the discovery of the second package could challenge that claim, especially after another improvised device exploded on Saturday morning in New Jersey, just across the Hudson river.
READ MORE: Pipe bomb detonates along route of 5km US Marines charity race in New Jersey
“Actually, it was a very loud explosion that has shaken the entire building. The area was packed with the people and the security [guards] have evacuated everyone within five minutes,” Camelia Entekhabifard, an eyewitness, told RT on Sunday.
“It’s not a common thing in Manhattan, I’ve been here even during 9/11 and I guess that sort of memory has been washed off, and I’m feeling that this explosion will have an impact not only on the people but on the [UN] General Assembly which is starting on Monday.”