MANHATTAN — At 7:20 this morning, in a below ground walkway (IND line & 42nd Street & 8th Ave) connects the Port Authority bus terminal to the NYC IRT 42nd & 7th Avenue Shuttle at Times Square, police were called to a reported explosion, responding units found an injured 27-year-old male with burns and wounds to his body. The terror suspect has been identified as Akayed Ullah—-a Bangladeshi immigrant who lived in Brooklyn. Ullah is a former taxi driver who was reportedly inspired by The Islamic State. According to the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission, the would-be terrorist had a black cab/limousine driver’s license from 2012 to 2015.
Investigation at the scene indicates that this male was wearing an improvised explosive device attached to his body. This device was intentionally detonated by the subject. Two other people in the immediate area also sustained minor injuries.
The suspect was placed in custody and transported to Bellevue Hospital. Immediate police response to the scene included members of the Transit Bureau, Emergency Service Division, Bomb Squad, Counterterrorism Personnel, MTA Police, State Troopers and FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
In addition, the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group and Critical Response Command were assigned to other key transportation hubs and other locations throughout the city as a precautionary measure.
The incident was captured on transit system video.
A further review and interview of witnesses is underway. A thorough background investigation into Akayed Ullah is being conducted by the JTTF.
