The FBI is investigating a vehicle explosion at the US-Canada Border crossing in Niagara Falls, which was initially believed to be terror-related.
New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, stated, “There is no evidence at this time that this was a terrorist activity. And that’s what I want to make very clear to the public.”
The explosion took place at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the province of Ontario and the state of New York at 11:27 am (EST). A 27-year-old border officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The two individuals in the vehicle died in the explosion.
“The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls,” the FBI said in a statement earlier on Wednesday. “The FBI is coordinating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that’s all we can say at this time.”
Four international crossing points were closed, and all government buildings in the region were reportedly evacuated. In addition, the Buffalo Airport halted all arriving and departing international flights.
The closures will cause significant delays for travelers ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory, Rainbow Bridge sees approximately 6,000 vehicles crossing daily.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he is “closely monitoring the explosion at the NY-Canada border, and communicating with NY delegation members on the ground.”
“I’ve requested a briefing from the appropriate federal officials to gather all concrete information as soon as possible,” he wrote. “In the meantime, we are praying for the safety and well being of all responders at the scene.”
This Is A Developing Story.
