The Associated Press
The mayor of Paris is expressing support for New York City and those wounded in a pipe bomb explosion in an underground passageway in the Times Square area.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo said today that “New York has been by our side each time we have been hit by attacks and threats, and Paris is also by the side of New York.”
Hidalgo, whose city has been hit by multiple attacks in recent years, said she was thinking of New York Mayor Bill De Blasio after today’s blast.
Speaking ahead of an international climate summit, she said, “When something like that happens in one of our cities, we are all on alert.”
A crude pipe bomb strapped to a man inspired by the Islamic State Group went off in a crowded subway corridor, injuring the man and three others.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he has ordered extra security at mass transit hubs in his state following the pipe bomb explosion.
New Jersey Transit buses have resumed normal service into New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.
New York City also has re-opened its subways amid heightened city-wide security after a man with a pipe bomb strapped to him caused an explosion during the morning rush hour.
Law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that Akayed Ullah was inspired by the Islamic State Group, but apparently had no direct contact with the terrorist group.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the suspect or incident.
The suspect had burns on his abdomen and also to his hands.
Three others suffered minor injuries, including headaches and ringing in the ears.
Police said he attached the device to his body with Velcro and zip ties.
They noted the suspect meant to set off the bomb, but it’s not clear if he meant to do so in the passageway.
