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Manhattan explosion: second device is 'pressure cooker with wires attached to phone' – live Manhattan explosion: second device is 'pressure cooker with wires attached to phone' – live
(35 minutes later)
7.51am BST
07:51
This just in from the NYPD.
The next press update will likely be tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. from One Police Plaza w/@NYPDONeill @BilldeBlasio @NewYorkFBI & @FDNY
7.48am BST
07:48
It is now coming up to 3am on Sunday in New York and news out of Chelsea seems to be slowing. There have been no updates to the number of people injured, apparently steady at 29, nor on the one person understood to be in a serious condition.
With the second device successfully removed from West 27th Street, questions persist on social media over mayor Bill de Blasio’s characterisation of the blast as “intentional”.
He was emphatic that there was “no evidence at this point of a terror connection” when he spoke to reporters just after 11pm local time, but many have questioned how the distinction can be made when authorities are treating the attacks as deliberate.
I don't understand what the NYC is saying about #Chelsea. What do they mean the blast was intentional but no credible threat against city?
7.39am BST
07:39
Chelsea resident Soleil Philomena shares her experience of the explosion.
7.37am BST
07:37
BuzzFeed’s Karla Zabludovsky has tweeted footage of the removal of the “suspicious package” from West 27th Street as viewed from her hotel room.
More police showing up below my hotel window on 27th and 7th,robot is no longer moving around #ChelseaExplosion pic.twitter.com/W1Aq7SXWXT
Hotel speaker: guests in rooms on the 27th St side are being told to stay away from the windows #ChelseaExplosion
Loudspeaker at Innside hotel, on 27th st: "Take cover. This is not a drill." #ChelseaExplosion
Now seeing those little green lights on the street, near the spot where police are looking into an explosive device pic.twitter.com/PrqEsakUNf
No humans visible near on the street now but the robot is back next to the mailbox #ChelseaExplosion #NYCExplosion pic.twitter.com/ZXyc884Kmc
The robot is moving away on 27th toward 6th Av from the spot where the suspicious device was. Unclear from here if it's carrying something
The robot making its way back to the police vehicle at 2:17am EST #ChelseaExplosion #NYCExplosion pic.twitter.com/I1e2LreXap
Zabs is BuzzFeed’s Mexico bureau chief and was on holiday in the US at the time of the explosion.
“Bizarre that vacationing in the US turned out to be more dangerous than reporting in Mexico,” she tweeted.
Her boss Ben Smith, BuzzFeed’s editor-in-chief, tweeted that she’d “booked the right hotel”.
7.26am BST
07:26
The reported pressure-cooker bomb has been safely removed by the NYPD for analysis.
Update: the suspicious package on West 27th Street has safety removed by the NYPD for further analysis. @NYPDnews
As my colleague Oliver Laughland reported earlier, the device will be likely put in some sort of reinforced containment chamber then taken to the NYPD’s firing range at Rodman’s Neck in the Bronx, at least 45 minutes’ drive from Chelsea.
7.24am BST7.24am BST
07:2407:24
Uber has been criticised on social media for invoking surge pricing in the wake of the explosion, when many public transport lines were down.Uber has been criticised on social media for invoking surge pricing in the wake of the explosion, when many public transport lines were down.
Though Uber NYC tweeted that it had turned off surge pricing for the Chelsea area, Jessica Keenan Wynn later reported it was charging 1.8x the normal fare.Though Uber NYC tweeted that it had turned off surge pricing for the Chelsea area, Jessica Keenan Wynn later reported it was charging 1.8x the normal fare.
Surge pricing has been turned off in the #Chelsea #explosion area. Allow extra time for drivers to navigate due to road closures. Stay safe.Surge pricing has been turned off in the #Chelsea #explosion area. Allow extra time for drivers to navigate due to road closures. Stay safe.
COME ON @Uber 😡 1.8 surge pricing after explosion in #Chelsea? I'm disgusted. People are trying to get home safe. Shame on you #DeleteAppCOME ON @Uber 😡 1.8 surge pricing after explosion in #Chelsea? I'm disgusted. People are trying to get home safe. Shame on you #DeleteApp
Shaun King, a writer for the NY Daily News, corroborated Wynn’s account.Shaun King, a writer for the NY Daily News, corroborated Wynn’s account.
“This is true. My family and I were out in Manhattan and many of our train lines were closed. Uber prices surged up,” he tweeted.“This is true. My family and I were out in Manhattan and many of our train lines were closed. Uber prices surged up,” he tweeted.
A number of Twitter users accused the company of price gouging.A number of Twitter users accused the company of price gouging.
#NYCExplosion causes residents to attempt to get home. #Uber taking total advantage of chaos and surcharging passengers 1.4 to 1.8 times.
Reportedly @Uber prices surged in aftermath of #Chelsea bombing. No punchline. Just pointing out a garbage company. #ChelseaExplosionReportedly @Uber prices surged in aftermath of #Chelsea bombing. No punchline. Just pointing out a garbage company. #ChelseaExplosion
Twitter: WTFNew York: KUber: How do we get that sweet ca$h.#chelseaTwitter: WTFNew York: KUber: How do we get that sweet ca$h.#chelsea
Funny @Uber is price surging during the transit mess from the bombs set off in #ChelseaFunny @Uber is price surging during the transit mess from the bombs set off in #Chelsea
Apparently @Uber is raising fare prices following the explosion in #Chelsea! They should be giving free rides. Despicable. #BoycottUberApparently @Uber is raising fare prices following the explosion in #Chelsea! They should be giving free rides. Despicable. #BoycottUber
Others who were passengers with Uber at the time of the explosion shared their experiences.Others who were passengers with Uber at the time of the explosion shared their experiences.
Uber driver is navigating us around the blocked off streets in Chelsea and I feel that familiar regret of not taking the subwayUber driver is navigating us around the blocked off streets in Chelsea and I feel that familiar regret of not taking the subway
Shout out to my @Uber driver Antonio who stayed calm while driving past #Chelsea & was rear ended in NYC traffic. Made it back safe finallyShout out to my @Uber driver Antonio who stayed calm while driving past #Chelsea & was rear ended in NYC traffic. Made it back safe finally
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.24am BST at 7.40am BST
7.05am BST7.05am BST
07:0507:05
Explosion caused by device in trash canExplosion caused by device in trash can
An NYPD officer who was not authorised to speak about the investigation confirmed to Joanna Walters of Guardian US that the explosion in Chelsea on Saturday night was caused by a device placed in a trash can on 23rd Street.An NYPD officer who was not authorised to speak about the investigation confirmed to Joanna Walters of Guardian US that the explosion in Chelsea on Saturday night was caused by a device placed in a trash can on 23rd Street.
As well as the second site of investigation on 27th Street, where the device thought to be a pressure cooker was found, the police are also understood to be examining a third site of interest.As well as the second site of investigation on 27th Street, where the device thought to be a pressure cooker was found, the police are also understood to be examining a third site of interest.
But, Jo writes from the scene, “in the situation of heightened alert there is no way of knowing at this stage if it is another device or simply the kind of suspicious package that is routinely investigated daily in the city”.But, Jo writes from the scene, “in the situation of heightened alert there is no way of knowing at this stage if it is another device or simply the kind of suspicious package that is routinely investigated daily in the city”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.10am BSTat 7.10am BST
6.57am BST6.57am BST
06:5706:57
CNN has more details of the second device, the reported “pressure cooker”:CNN has more details of the second device, the reported “pressure cooker”:
A device at a second location in Chelsea appears to be a pressure cooker with dark colored wiring coming out of the top center of the device. The device, mentioned earlier by police, is connected by silver duct tape to a small dark colored device attached to the outside of the pressure cooker, according to multiple local and federal law enforcement officials. None of the officials would say at this point what was inside the pressure cooker.A device at a second location in Chelsea appears to be a pressure cooker with dark colored wiring coming out of the top center of the device. The device, mentioned earlier by police, is connected by silver duct tape to a small dark colored device attached to the outside of the pressure cooker, according to multiple local and federal law enforcement officials. None of the officials would say at this point what was inside the pressure cooker.
It has seen – and broadcast – an image verifying the description of the device.It has seen – and broadcast – an image verifying the description of the device.
This is the device found at second location, near New York explosion, officials say. https://t.co/cpgJgDr4X5 pic.twitter.com/TZr07KwDraThis is the device found at second location, near New York explosion, officials say. https://t.co/cpgJgDr4X5 pic.twitter.com/TZr07KwDra
6.54am BST6.54am BST
06:5406:54
Mayor Bill de Blasio has cancelled some public appearances scheduled for Sunday in the wake of tonight’s unrest, but has confirmed he will meet with Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, to participate in a forum about building inclusive cities.Mayor Bill de Blasio has cancelled some public appearances scheduled for Sunday in the wake of tonight’s unrest, but has confirmed he will meet with Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, to participate in a forum about building inclusive cities.
6.42am BST6.42am BST
06:4206:42
Second device to be removed by bomb disposal unitsSecond device to be removed by bomb disposal units
A spokesman for the New York Police Department has confirmed to my colleague Oliver Laughland in New York that bomb disposal units will attempt to remove the second suspicious device on West 27th street and transfer it to a safe location – that’s the reported “pressure cooker”.A spokesman for the New York Police Department has confirmed to my colleague Oliver Laughland in New York that bomb disposal units will attempt to remove the second suspicious device on West 27th street and transfer it to a safe location – that’s the reported “pressure cooker”.
NYPD Lieutenant Thomas Antonetti added that police were still managing an “active scene” on West 27th street and it was unclear when officers would attempt to remove the device.NYPD Lieutenant Thomas Antonetti added that police were still managing an “active scene” on West 27th street and it was unclear when officers would attempt to remove the device.
It is likely the device will be moved to the NYPD’s firing range at Rodman’s Neck in the Bronx, at least a 45 minute drive from Chelsea in Manhattan, Antonetti said, but a finalized location has not been confirmed. The device will likely be placed in some sort of reinforced containment chamber before transfer.It is likely the device will be moved to the NYPD’s firing range at Rodman’s Neck in the Bronx, at least a 45 minute drive from Chelsea in Manhattan, Antonetti said, but a finalized location has not been confirmed. The device will likely be placed in some sort of reinforced containment chamber before transfer.
MSNBC has reported that police are reviewing CCTV footage of a suspicious person dumping an object close to the site of the explosion on 23rd Street shortly before the blast occurred, but Lieutenant Antonetti could not confirm these reports.MSNBC has reported that police are reviewing CCTV footage of a suspicious person dumping an object close to the site of the explosion on 23rd Street shortly before the blast occurred, but Lieutenant Antonetti could not confirm these reports.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.06am BSTat 7.06am BST
6.36am BST6.36am BST
06:3606:36
MSNBC has reported that law enforcement officials have seen surveillance video footage showing a man dropping something into a dumpster before the explosion in Chelsea.MSNBC has reported that law enforcement officials have seen surveillance video footage showing a man dropping something into a dumpster before the explosion in Chelsea.
MSNBC did not broadcast the footage, and theirs seems to be the only such report at this stage. My colleagues at the Guardian US are looking into it from New York.MSNBC did not broadcast the footage, and theirs seems to be the only such report at this stage. My colleagues at the Guardian US are looking into it from New York.
If true, it would be consistent with early reports, from the New York Times and others, that the blast emanated from a dumpster.If true, it would be consistent with early reports, from the New York Times and others, that the blast emanated from a dumpster.
The NYPD counterterrorism department had also tweeted an image of a mangled dumpster apparently caught up in the blast, but mayor Bill de Blasio refused to elaborate whether this was the site of the device at the 11pm media conference.The NYPD counterterrorism department had also tweeted an image of a mangled dumpster apparently caught up in the blast, but mayor Bill de Blasio refused to elaborate whether this was the site of the device at the 11pm media conference.
#Update re: Explosion (photo) pic.twitter.com/AtqllF3JEZ#Update re: Explosion (photo) pic.twitter.com/AtqllF3JEZ
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.43am BSTat 6.43am BST
6.34am BST
06:34
Both MSNBC and CNN have broadcast surveillance footage from the immediate aftermath of the blast that shows its impact. The first clip is from security cameras at Orangetheory Fitness on 124 W 23rd St, just doors away from the site of the explosion.
Per @CNN: Surveillance video shows explosion in #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/1JRZoFU3CZ
Updated
at 6.45am BST
6.09am BST
06:09
Hillary Clinton's response – in full
Dan Roberts, my colleague in Washington, has passed on the transcript of Hillary Clinton’s response to the explosion in New York. She began by expressing a commitment to support authorities and victims.
“Obviously, we need to do everything we can to support our first responders — also to pray for the victims. We have to let this investigation unfold. We’ve been in touch with various officials, including the mayors office in New York, to learn what they are discovering as they conduct this investigation, and I’ll have more to say about it when we actually know some facts.”
Clinton was asked to respond to Donald Trump’s immediate characterisation of the explosion as a “bomb”, less than an hour after it was first reported.
“Well, I think it’s important to know the facts about any incident like this,” she said. “That’s why it’s critical to support the first responders, the investigators, who are looking into it, trying to determine what did happen. I think it’s always wiser to wait until you have information before making conclusions, because we are just in the beginning stages of trying to determine what happened.”
She was asked what it might mean for the state of the presidential race.
“I’m just concerned about any kind of incident that happens anywhere in our country, and I think we should again withhold judgement until we know more about what happened — what the likely motivation might have been and obviously do everything we can to determine who was behind these incidents. I don’t think it’s time to think about anything else.”
She had just given a speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual awards dinner in Washington, at which president Barack Obama gave the keynote address. But she said the two did not discuss the blast in their “very short” conversation.
Although Clinton mentioned the pipe bomb that detonated in New Jersey early on Saturday morning, she said it “would not be appropriate to speculate” as to whether the Chelsea blast was the result of a coordinated effort. (Authorities have said there is not yet a specific link between the two incidents.)
“Let’s try to figure out as much as we can by having the experts and professionals go through this and try to determine what you have to in order to trace it back and see who’s behind it.”
5.54am BST
05:54
Second device on West 27th St appears to be pressure cooker
There are several reports that the second device found on West 27th Street is a pressure cooker.
After the explosion on 23rd Street and Sixth Avenue in Chelsea on 8.30pm on Saturday, a “possible secondary device” was found a few blocks away.
J Peter Donald, the assistant commissioner for communication and public information for NYPD, described the device as a “suspicious package” in an update posted to Twitter at about midnight local time and asked residents of the street to “stay away from windows” as it was cleared.
Update on West 27th Street in Manhattan pic.twitter.com/PHjcTCXoER
The Wall Street Journal has reported that a law enforcement official said the second device was a pressure cooker, with wiring and a cellphone attached, inside a plastic bag.
ABC, Fox News, NY1, Associated Press, and CNN have said the same. (Earlier, CNN was among the first outlets to rule out the possibility that the blast on 23rd St was a gas explosion.)
Reports of the apparent pressure-cooker bomb have prompted social media users to make connections to the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, but authorities have been clear that there is no evidence of any links to terrorism at this stage.
“There is no specific and credible threat against New York City in this point of time from any terror organisation,” said mayor Bill de Blasio earlier.
Updated
at 6.41am BST
5.40am BST
05:40
New York Police Department news has circulated the remarks prepared for the commissioner, James O’Neill, apparently predating the presser held after 11pm:
At around 8:30 P.M. this evening, officers from the 10th Precinct were on routine patrol, driving westbound on 23rd Street, when they witnessed a large explosion in front of 131 West 23rd Street. The officers immediately called for additional units and ambulances.
The NYPD bomb squad and the FBI joint terrorism task force were requested to respond. As of this time, the exact cause of this explosion has not been determined. Investigation into this incident is active at this time and an extensive search is being conducted. The area around the explosion site is being treated as a crime scene.
As of this time, there is no evidence to indicate that this explosion is a result of any natural gas cause. Again, the exact nature and cause of this explosion has not yet been determined. As of the most recent information, there have been 27 injuries reported. [Note: This figure was updated to 29.] One of these injuries may be considered serious. The fire department is currently assessing the extent of any possible structural damage resulting from this explosion.
As further information is developed, we will provide updates. At this point, anyone with potential information about the incident is asked to call NYPD CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
As several media commentators have remarked, this is O’Neill’s first test as police commissioner – he assumed the role on 16 September. After William Bratton unexpectedly announced his resignation on 2 August, mayor Bill de Blasio immediately announced that O’Neill would replace him as the city’s 38th commissioner.
O’Neill – Brooklyn born and bred – began his career in the New York City transit police department in 1983 and eventually rose to chief of patrol in 2014.
Updated
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5.29am BST
05:29
5.26am BST
05:26
The New York Times has reported that the White House has issued a brief statement confirming that President Obama has been briefed on the developing situation in New York.
“The president has been apprised of the explosion in New York City, the cause of which remains under investigation. The president will be updated as additional information becomes available.”
Hillary Clinton’s campaign said she was informed of the blast after she gave a speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual awards dinner.
Donald Trump, campaigning in Colorado Springs, was the first to respond. He spoke of a “bomb” in New York just 45 minutes after the explosion was first reported – “before the authorities had made any determinations about what had happened and while the situation was still in flux”, as the Times notes.
5.16am BST
05:16
Possible second device on 27th St a 'suspicious package'
J Peter Donald, the assistant commissioner for communication and public information for NYPD, who earlier confirmed the discovery of a possible second device, has tweeted an update asking residents of West 27th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues to “stay away from windows”.
Update on West 27th Street in Manhattan pic.twitter.com/PHjcTCXoER
Updated
at 5.28am BST
5.13am BST
05:13
Here’s mayor Bill de Blasio’s introduction to the the recent press conference that concluded in the last hour. The entire presser was broadcast on Facebook Live and can be watched on the NYPD’s page.
“Tonight New York City experienced a very serious incident. All elements of our first responders have been a part of the operation ... all hands are on deck. Injuries are significant ... At this point we can confirm that none of those injured are likely to die.
“We also want to be upfront saying that there is no evidence that there is a terror connection to this incident. This is preliminary information, this is something that we will be investigating very carefully, but there is no evidence at this point of a terror connection.
“I also want to affirm that based on what we know at this hour there is no specific connection to the incident in New Jersey. It is again too early to say anything definitive on those questions but there’s no specific evidence of a connection at this point.
“I want to say more broadly, there is no specific and credible threat against New York city in this point of time, from any terror organisation … But we do want to be very clear. The early indications, the initial indications is that this was an intentional act.
“We’re going to have a lot more to say in the coming hours as we have more detailed analysis ... I want to assure all New Yorkers that the NYPD and other agencies are at full alert and that our anti-terror capacity in particular is at full alert …
“I want to be clear, whatever the cause, whatever the intention here, New Yorkers will not be intimidated. We are not going to let anyone change who we are or how we go about our lives. We have the best police force in the country … making sure we can be safe here.”
Updated
at 5.28am BST
5.05am BST
05:05
Police commissioner James O’Neill confirmed that the explosion occurred in front of 131 West 23rd St – the King David Gallery, an interior design shop specialising in glass and mirror products.
Authorities with flashlights can be seen outside the gallery in the first ten seconds of this clip posted to YouTube on Saturday night.
Camelia Entekhabifard, a political commentator and author, was tweeting from the scene. An observer told her that the gallery had been “shattered” in the explosion, and the owner had watched it on a webcam at home.
An observer told me The King David gallery 6Ave & 23st shattered by explosion.The owner saw that from webcam at home. #Chelsea #Manhattan
She said 125 23rd St, “an old hotel”, had been demolished in the blast.
Also in the vicinity of the explosion was an Associated Blind Housing facility at 135 W. 23rd St.
4.54am BST
04:54
This clip from a security camera posted to Twitter purports to show the moment the explosion occurred – at the 23-second mark.
Video shows moment of IED Explosion at W 23 St & 6th Ave in Manhattan pic.twitter.com/O270bZWOzF
Updated
at 5.05am BST