U.S. officials say 'no indication' Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion was terrorist attack, after Canadian caution
CTV
While Canadian government officials had been operating under the assumption that Wednesday's vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls was terror-related, according to national security sources, U.S. officials are now saying that while the investigation continues there is 'no indication of a terrorist attack' at this time.
While Canadian government officials had been operating under the assumption that Wednesday's vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls was terror-related, according to national security sources, U.S. officials are now saying there is "no indication of a terrorist attack" at this time.
"FBI Buffalo has concluded our investigation at the scene of the Rainbow Bridge incident. A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified. The matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation," FBI Buffalo said in a statement late Wednesday evening.
"The FBI thanks our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their assistance, and we remain committed in our mission to keeping the public safe."
Speaking to reporters earlier in the evening, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said while the investigation continues, "At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist-involved attack."
"Based on my briefings with experienced law enforcement, with the FBI, Homeland Security, and the Customs and Border Protection… They're still analyzing this, but there's been no indication based on any online threats, anyone taking credit for anything," Hochul said.
The governor said she wanted to share this initial information as to not "leave the public with a lot more anxiety than they need to have at this time."
Soon after, U.S. law enforcement officials held a press conference, confirming there is no indication the crash was terrorism-related. FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia said police have a local subject in mind and they continue to investigate with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, but so far nothing has come to their attention to suggest "anything of that nature."
