Four Injured in Terrorist Attack in New York, Suspect Under Arrest

New York, Dec. 12 (Antara/Xinhua-OANA) - Four people were injured as a man set off an improvised explosive device at New York City's commuter hub during rush hour on Monday.

In what New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called an attempted terrorist attack, a 27-year-old man denoted a low-tech bomb strapped to his body at around 7:20 a.m. local time in an underground passageway near Times Square, seriously wounding himself and injuring three others.

The police have identified the suspect as Akayed Ullah and have placed him in custody, New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neil said at a press conference held near the scene.

He added that the incident was captured on transit system video. A further review and witness interview is underway.

Police are calling on the general public to provide information about the suspect.

Authorities said three people in the immediate area sustained minor injuries such as ringing in the ear and headache.

 

Asked whether the suspect has connection with the Islamic State, O'Neil said, "he did make a statement but we are not going to talk about that right now."  

De Blasio said at the same press conference that the incident was an attempted terrorist attack and "thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals."

He added that there are no additional known incidents or activities at this time. He assured the public that there are no credible and specific threats to New York City at the moment.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the suspect was admitted to the United States after presenting a passport displaying an F43 family immigrant visa in 2011. The suspect is a Lawful Permanent Resident from Bangladesh who benefited from extended family chain migration.