Rainbow Bridge: No evidence crash, explosion was terrorist attack, Gov. says
Last edited Wed Nov 22, 2023, 07:46 PM - Edit history (5)
Source: ABC News
November 22, 2023, 5:52 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul said there is no evidence that the crash and explosion Wednesday on the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the U.S. to Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, was a terrorist attack. She also told reporters at a news conference said there was no indication any explosives were found at the scene.
Earlier on Wednesday, a vehicle sped toward a border checkpoint at the U.S. side of the bridge, hit a booth, exploded and went airborne, Hochul said. "You actually had to look at it and say, 'Was this generated by A.I.?' because it was so surreal to see how high in the air this vehicle went and then the crash and explosion and the fire," she said.
The driver and passenger were killed, according to the governor. One of the victims was a western New York resident, Hochul said.
One booth agent was injured in the incident and was treated for their injuries at a hospital. They were released later in the day Hochul said.
Hochul said that the investigation would take some time as much of the vehicle was destroyed and debris was scattered over 13 booths. "There is not a license plate," she said. "It was a very congested area," Hochul said, adding, "It could have been very cataclysmic."
Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/US/rainbow-bridge-us-canada-closed-explosion-sources/story?id=105102476
Yikes. I went over that bridge to go to Niagara Falls (Canada side) about 10 years ago. There are lanes and lanes of huge lines of cars at that border crossing. Luckily when we went, they had just implemented E-ZPass and I could use my transponder to pay the toll making the crossing faster (aside from going through Customs).
Article updated.
Previous articles/headlines -
November 22, 2023, 4:25 PM
Two people were killed when a vehicle exploded Friday on the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the U.S. to Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, according to sources. The Rainbow Bridge has closed in the wake of the incident.
The vehicle, believed to be a Mercedes, sped toward a border checkpoint at the U.S. side of the bridge and hit a concrete barrier, multiple sources briefed on the investigation told ABC News. The impact sent the vehicle careening into the area where U.S.-bound cars are sent for secondary screening, sources said. The vehicle burst into flames and exploded, sources said.
Investigators have found some sort of suitcase or briefcase on scene, sources told ABC News. They are treating it as a possible explosive device as a precaution and the bomb squad is handling the package. Ron Rienas, GM of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, told ABC News all four Canada-U.S. bridges over the Niagara River have been closed out of an abundance of caution while the Rainbow Bridge investigation continues.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "At my direction, the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York. I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available." The Buffalo Niagara International Airport said it'll be increasing security, with car checks and additional screenings for travelers.
November 22, 2023, 3:46 PM
The Rainbow Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, has been closed after a vehicle explosion, according to the FBI and local authorities. There are believed to be fatalities from the incident, multiple officials confirmed to ABC News.
Canadian officials told ABC News the car did not originate on the Canadian side of the border. As investigators work to determine the car's path, it appears the incident started and ended on the U.S. side of bridge.
Surveillance video showed the vehicle stopped at an initial security checkpoint, according to sources briefed on the investigation. The vehicle was then directed to a secondary security checkpoint, and at that point the vehicle sped up and crashed into the secondary screening location, sources said.
What triggered the initial security stop was not immediately clear. It is also not immediately clear what caused the explosion. Investigators have found some sort of suitcase or briefcase on scene, sources told ABC News. They are treating it as a possible explosive device as a precaution and the bomb squad is handling the package.
The Rainbow Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, has been closed after a vehicle explosion, according to the FBI and local authorities. There are believed to be fatalities from the incident, multiple officials confirmed to ABC News.
The Niagara Falls mayor's office said the incident involved a vehicle crossing into the U.S. from Canada.
Surveillance video showed the vehicle stopped at an initial security checkpoint, according to sources briefed on the investigation. The vehicle was then directed to a secondary security checkpoint, and at that point the vehicle sped up and crashed into the secondary screening location, sources said.
What triggered the initial security stop was not immediately clear. It is also not immediately clear what caused the explosion. Investigators have found some sort of suitcase or briefcase on scene, sources told ABC News. They are treating it as a possible explosive device as a precaution and the bomb squad is handling the package.
The Rainbow Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, has been closed after a vehicle explosion, according to the FBI and local authorities.
There are believed to be fatalities from the incident, multiple officials confirmed to ABC News. The Niagara Falls mayor's office said the incident involved a vehicle crossing into the U.S. from Canada.
Surveillance video showed the vehicle stopped at an initial security checkpoint, according to sources briefed on the investigation. The vehicle was then directed to a secondary security checkpoint, and at that point the vehicle sped up and crashed into the secondary screening location, sources said.
What triggered the initial security stop was not immediately clear. It is also not immediately clear what caused the explosion. Investigators have found some sort of suitcase or briefcase on scene, sources told ABC News. They are treating it as a possible explosive device as a precaution and the bomb squad is handling the package.
The Rainbow Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, has been closed after a vehicle explosion, according to the FBI and local authorities.
The Niagara Falls mayor's office said the incident involved a vehicle crossing into the U.S. from Canada. The FBI is at the scene. Ron Rienas, GM of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, told ABC News all four Canada-U.S. bridges over the Niagara River have been closed out of an abundance of caution while the Rainbow Bridge investigation continues.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "At my direction, the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York. I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available."
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport said it'll be increasing security, with car checks and additional screenings for travelers.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Rainbow Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, has been closed after a vehicle explosion, according to the FBI and local authorities.
The Niagara Falls mayor's office said the incident involved a vehicle crossing into the U.S. from Canada. The FBI is at the scene.
Ron Rienas, GM of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, told ABC News all four Canada-U.S. bridges over the Niagara River have been closed out of an abundance of caution while the Rainbow Bridge investigation continues.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "At my direction, the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York. I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available."
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Rainbow Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, has been closed after a vehicle explosion, according to the FBI and local authorities.
The Niagara Falls mayor's office said the incident involved a vehicle crossing into the U.S. from Canada. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she's closely monitoring the situation. The FBI is at the scene.
Ron Rienas, GM of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, told ABC News all four Canada-U.S. bridges over the Niagara River have been closed out of an abundance of caution while the Rainbow Bridge investigation continues.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Original article/headline -
November 22, 2023, 1:16 PM
The Rainbow Bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, has been closed after an explosion on the U.S. side of the bridge, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
The Niagara Falls mayor's office said the incident involved a vehicle crossing into the U.S.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she's closely monitoring the situation.
The FBI is at the scene. Law enforcement is placing K-9 officers on each of the international bridges in the area as a precautionary measure, according to sources.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)Then we'll have to build a northern wall to keep out Canadians.
Shanti Shanti Shanti
(12,047 posts)IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)China knows how it's done
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keithbvadu2
(40,915 posts)Kublai Khan. The first MONGOLIAN EMPEROR of China.

IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)Conscripts stationed at the wall were easily bribed to open gates or be lured out and killed. And many times the Mongols just rode around it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Great_Wall_of_China#The_onset_of_the_Mongols
Only Trump can protect America from Canada.
chouchou
(3,144 posts)Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe they still use Latin.
eggplant
(4,199 posts)trying to get away with plunder. But then again, maybe I'm wrong.
Kennah
(14,578 posts)pazzyanne
(6,759 posts)Retrograde
(11,419 posts)when they burned the settlement that would become Buffalo. Although they were part of Britain at the time. And there really wasn't much to burn in the first place. But that's why there are two forts along the Canadian side of the river, and one on the American side. Come to think of it, the Americans invaded more frequently, at Lundy's Lane near Niagara Falls during the War of 1812, and a do-it-yourself invasion during the Civil War that fizzled pretty quickly (This is what happens when you live in the area and have a history buff for a father. I used to know where the War of 1812 cemetery was in Buffalo, but forgot)
OnlinePoker
(6,127 posts)IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)OnlinePoker
(6,127 posts)Hekate
(100,133 posts)LymphocyteLover
(9,847 posts)Cherokee100
(454 posts)'A Thousand Pen Pricks'.
Kennah
(14,578 posts)brooklynite
(96,882 posts)brooklynite
(96,882 posts)Crashes into secondary screening building.
LeftInTX
(34,295 posts)To scare Americans.
Why else would this happen? No one loses control of a vehicle to the point of explosion at CBP.
Videos showed that the fire was in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection area just east of the main vehicle checkpoint. (Bet they had a bomb)
Both occupants were killed. CBP agent injured.
riversedge
(80,810 posts)milestogo
(23,084 posts)
JoseBalow
(9,489 posts)
milestogo
(23,084 posts)so if I knew how to find it I would.
JoseBalow
(9,489 posts)Mr.Bill
(24,906 posts)dogs and cats die they go to Canada?
LeftInTX
(34,295 posts)brooklynite
(96,882 posts)The car was on Main Street on the US side.
LeftInTX
(34,295 posts)Sure looks like an explosion to me.

milestogo
(23,084 posts)Hopefully.
Kennah
(14,578 posts)Marthe48
(23,175 posts)or any other terrorist attack idea, grateful thanks to the border patrol agents who noticed something sketchy about the car or the people in the car.
LeftInTX
(34,295 posts)I think whoever it was knew and planned to detonate before they were caught and prevented...Just speculating.
progressoid
(53,179 posts)lapfog_1
(31,904 posts)2 passengers, no word on the driver.
and... Too Soon???
brooklynite
(96,882 posts)riversedge
(80,810 posts)Fox News is citing unnamed law enforcement sources saying the explosion in Niagara Falls was an attempted terror attack
Link to tweet
?s=20
Response to BumRushDaShow (Original post)
LudwigPastorius This message was self-deleted by its author.
Kennah
(14,578 posts)IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)other news sources saying the FBI is investigating and too soon to speculate.
Ford_Prefect
(8,613 posts)LeftInTX
(34,295 posts)Blew up at the drive-through....

IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)eggplant
(4,199 posts)n/t
LeftInTX
(34,295 posts)eggplant
(4,199 posts)Your comments seem to be the majority of the "pretty sure it was terrorism" posts. If you do delete, I'll suggest it to the next most frequent as well.
Nobody benefits from earlier wild speculation after better information comes out.
mn9driver
(4,848 posts)What isnt known is who is responsible. Someone supporting Palestinians? Israel? Russia? Crazed MAGATs? Some other group?
I dont think we know any of that yet.
mn9driver
(4,848 posts)If so, its amazing anyone close by survivedif they in fact did. Also, this type of explosive is not easy to come by or make. This is probably not a random crazy that did this.
Hassin Bin Sober
(27,461 posts)brooklynite
(96,882 posts)...all vehicles entering the airport being screened.
gay texan
(3,218 posts)Scary shit
Backseat Driver
(4,671 posts)told DH, the driver, to open the back of our Jeep Cherokee. They looked around a bit, gave it the thumbs up, but then confiscated DH's Bowie knife that he's always traveled with (and it is visibly sheathed on his belt). We did all the "where were you born" stuff, and told them we were just going to Canada for a few hours to view the falls from the Canadian side. They told him to stop on the way back into the US to reclaim his knife. Tjree hours later, DH did; and the knife was returned to him.
brooklynite
(96,882 posts)Hassin Bin Sober
(27,461 posts)DetroitLegalBeagle
(2,504 posts)The booth wouldn't be there. Other pics show the windows still in one piece. Granted there is a good chance they are ballistic glass, but high explosives would have blown them out.
Hassin Bin Sober
(27,461 posts)with obvious gasoline bombs.
DetroitLegalBeagle
(2,504 posts)Having seen high exposives and grenades used in person, the giant fireballs are always funny. But I understand why they do it in movies. The fire makes them more exciting then what they look like in real life.
usaf-vet
(7,811 posts)....their shoes.
IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)but at least we can all be safely groped, screened, and prodded when we fly. Pre-check is good for airlines that use it.
Probatim
(3,286 posts)Not sure I could afford the co-pay for every flight.
eggplant
(4,199 posts)...to say that it didn't come from Canada.
Fog of war, gotta wait until they figure out what actually happened. Remember Richard Jewell?
Wingus Dingus
(9,173 posts)Really basic fact. How did they get that wrong for 2-3 hours?
eggplant
(4,199 posts)Since it blew up on our side, clearly it came from their side. Supposedly Hochul says it wasn't terrorism. Now I have to find updates so I can determine if *that* piece of information is correct.
IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)to keep out crazy Americans.
Kennah
(14,578 posts)sheshe2
(97,629 posts)brooklynite
(96,882 posts)A law enforcement source told the Buffalo News that as of early Wednesday evening, investigators don't believe the incident was a terrorist act.
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/rainbow-bridge-explosion-niagara-falls/article_a891ea34-895a-11ee-9f03-8bf12b0ede79.html
Kennah
(14,578 posts)Talitha
(7,988 posts)It was not aflame while in the air. How in the world did it get airborn? They said something about it going 100 mph.
EDIT to add - It also looked like it sailed over a fence before exploding.
SleeplessinSoCal
(10,412 posts)I've read reports of both directions. And heard Hochel say the owner of the car was a western New Yorker.
Talitha
(7,988 posts)They might have said where it was taken from, but I didn't catch it.
SleeplessinSoCal
(10,412 posts)But I've read here the opposite direction. Time will tell.
ificandream
(11,837 posts)Very glad to hear this.
IronLionZion
(51,268 posts)American officials are saying it's not terrorism. The individual was local to the Buffalo area. The car was coming from the US towards Canada.
But there's no point arguing with freepers who know in their racist hearts that it's jihad from across the border. We can't believe our lying eyes or deep state officials.
LetMyPeopleVote
(179,869 posts)Scruffy1
(3,533 posts)No doubt in my mind that giving the average driver a 700 plus horsepower Jalopy is a recipe for disaster. I'm betting on wrong pedal followed by panic freeze. I've seen it before.