CHICAGO (CBS) — At least eight people were killed Tuesday when a motorist deliberately plowed into pedestrians in lower Manhattan.
The NYPD says a man intentionally drove a rented Home Depot truck onto a busy bicycle path near the World Trade Center memorial, hit several people and emerged from the vehicle screaming and brandishing firearms.
Law enforcement officials, as well as witnesses, say the driver, 29-year-old Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, of Tampa, Florida, yelled “Allahu Akbar” — God is great — as he ran people over.
Despite some initial reports of gunfire, it appears Saipov had a fake gun. In fact, some witnesses thought the whole incident was a Halloween stunt at first.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio called it an act of terror.
Chicago Police said there is no known threat in the city, adding, “Additional police officers will be placed in high-traffic areas downtown and at parks, out of an abundance of caution.” Shortly after the incident, officers could be seen patrolling State and Randolph equipped with high-powered rifles.
The Chicago Division of the FBI also issued a statement saying they are working closely with Chicago Police and are not aware of any threat to the Northern district of Illinois.
The White House says President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident.
As of early Tuesday evening, 11 other people had serious but non-life threatening injuries, according to the NYPD.
This story is developing… please check back for updates.
from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2A4UyD5
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