Shortly after ringing in the New Year, a couple was killed and numerous others were injured after a car with explosives raced toward a crowd of individuals leaving a rock concert in Rochester, New York. Officials are referring to the tragic incident as possible domestic terrorism.
The crash occurred at around 12:50 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2024, at the Kodak Center in Rochester, where approximately 1,000 individuals were heading home after a New Year’s Eve show by the rock band Moe.
As Rochester officials began easing traffic and helping pedestrians cross the street from the concert, a Ford Expedition barreled toward the crowd, crashing into an Uber in a nearby parking lot.
“The force of the collision caused two vehicles to go through a group of pedestrians that were in the crosswalk and then into two other vehicles,” Rochester Police Chief David Smith said at a press conference.
The crashed vehicles were engulfed in massive flames that took the Rochester Fire Department over one hour to extinguish.
The couple that was inside the Uber were killed, while the driver was rushed to the hospital in a non-life-threatening condition.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING – TERROR IN NEW YORK | EXPLOSIVE ATTACK THWARTED
Car filled with explosives raced towards a rock concert crowd in Rochester, New York.
Unexpected crash with Uber car halted the explosive-laden Ford Expedition, causing fatal fire; three, including assailant… pic.twitter.com/eOORDT9AM1
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 2, 2024
The individual driving the explosives-filled car was transported to the hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at around 8 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2024.
Smith said officials found multiple gasoline canisters dispersed across the pavement and inside the Ford Expedition.
Law enforcement is now investigating the incident as possible domestic terrorism.
Officials searched a rented hotel room in Rochester and found a suicide note along with a journal belonging to a man, Avery, from Syracuse, New York. Investigators are now reviewing the journal for any hints of the attack.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans (D) held a press conference following the tragic incident.
“Obviously I would have been liking to stand at this podium to deliver Happy New Year and smile and say good news. But unfortunately today we don’t have good news because we have several individuals whose families’ lives are changed because they will not be here to bring in 2024,” Evans said.
The rock band moe also expressed thoughts on the devastating incident, saying it was left in “profound shock and sadness.”
