At approximately 3:45am (EST) on March 6, 2008 an unidentified person detonated a low-order explosive device at an armed forces recruitment station in New York City’s Times Square. The explosion, which damaged the front door and window of the structure, did not cause any injuries. In response, police and bomb squad officials closed off access to the area and placed heavy restrictions on public transportation services in and around Times Square. After conducting a thorough investigation, a majority of the area was reopened to the public with only a small area around the immediate vicinity of the explosion still under restriction.

Authorities do not have a suspect in custody; however, surveillance footage around the time of the explosion has since been released. Officials hope the video may lead to an arrest.

NC4 issued the initial alert warning customers of the explosion at 4:02am (EST), 17 minutes following the blast and about 90 minutes prior to its coverage on major network news.

 

Selected Updates

NC4 Incident Monitoring Center issued the following alerts:

• Officials are responding to unspecified type of incendiary device in Times Square. 03/06/08 04:02 EST
  
  
• Bomb squad responding to reported small explosion in Times Square.
  03/06/08 05:45 EST
  

• Section of Times Square cordoned off after explosion at Armed Forces recruitment center. 03/06/08 06:04 EST
  

• Explosive was made with low-grade, unsophisticated material. Investigation continues. 03/06/08 12:20 EST
  
  

• FBI investigating possible link between letters sent to Capitol Hill and earlier explosion. 03/06/08 19:34 EST
  

• Investigation continues into explosion; this incident is closed. 03/07/08 04:55 EST
  
  
  

Additional Resources
NC4 provides ongoing updates to members as the incident unfolds through the National Incident Monitoring Center (NIMC). NIMC analysts follow the incident using official government sources as well as national and local media sources - linking to the New York Times local breaking news article, “Police cordons off Time Square after explosion”, including images from the scene, eyewitness reports, and situational updates.

 

One-page printable summary with graphics

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