There is no sign of terrorist involvement in a vehicle explosion on the Rainbow Bridge, located at Niagara Falls, according to the Governor of New York.
Kathy Hochul provided an update on the results of the preliminary investigation.
She says that while anything can change as a result of the investigation, there is no indication that the incident was an act of terrorism. She says they’ve identified that it is a local individual from Western New York.
US Customs and Border Patrol has released startling surveillance footage in the moments prior to the fiery explosion. It shows a car, speeding through traffic, striking a barrier and leaving the ground, flying through the air and turning on its side while still aloft before disappearing out of frame.
CBP is working closely with @FBI, federal, state & local partners in response to a vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge which remains closed. Out of abundance of caution, CBP temporarily suspended inbound/outbound traffic at 3 other Buffalo crossings that have since reopened. pic.twitter.com/pTXyUsavRB
— CBP (@CBP) November 22, 2023
The two occupants of the car were killed and a border security agent was injured in the fiery crash that shut down four major crossings between Canada and the United States.
The Rainbow Bridge will remain closed while the investigation continues, however other crossings have reopened, although cross-border train service has been suspended.
Earlier Story
(Photo via Twitter)
Reports indicate that two people are dead as the result of a vehicle explosion on the Raindbow Bridge, located at Niagara Falls.
Four major crossings between Canada and the United States have been shut down. The explosion happened on the American side of the border. It is believed that both deceased were found inside the vehicle.
The FBI confirmed the incident in a message on X, formerly Twitter.
#FBI Buffalo statement on investigation at the Rainbow Bridge: pic.twitter.com/jRaGLL8sU8
— FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) November 22, 2023
They say that they are coordinating with all levels of law enforcement on the matter, but as the situation is very fluid they cannot release more information at this time.
Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc says any time such a “violent circumstance” occurs it is a concern for the federal government.
He says they are taking the situation very seriously, but to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident without adequate information would not be responsible.
Leblanc says Canadian security agencies are doing “absolutely everything that Canadians would expect” to ensure their security.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke about the situation in the House of Commons noting that they are in communication with officials about the situation, noting that “additional security measures” are being brought to all border crossings in the country.
