Car explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between US and Canada | FBI investigating
The FBI is investigating a “very fluid” situation after a vehicle exploded at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the US and Canada.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a statement on Wednesday that the Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the United States and Canada near Niagara Falls. The federal law enforcement agency described the situation as “very fluid” and said that it is coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement partners but that no further information is available at this time.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement posted on X that state police are “actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York.” Adding that she is traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and will provide further information as it becomes available.
US-Canada border crossings in West New York State closed
CNN reports that a spokesperson for the Niagara Falls mayor’s office said that a vehicle was trying to enter the US side of the border. All four international border crossings in Western New York were temporarily closed after the incident, but three of the other Buffalo crossings have been reopened according to US Customs and Border Protection.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority posted an advisory that due to the incident at the Rainbow Bridge crossing that it is “increasing security system-wide.” While the Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports are fully operational, cars entering the airport will be subject to security checks and passengers can expect additional screenings.
“Initial reports indicate the two people killed were in the car but nothing’s been determined on their identity or motive,” said Chuck Schumer in a message after being briefed by the FBI on the incident at the Rainbow Bridge. “At this time, there is no indication of a threat related to this incident,” Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.
Reports that no explosives were found in the vehicle
Both NBC and the New York Times are reporting that no explosives were found in the car that exploded. Video shows that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed before becoming airborne and then crashing into the Rainbow Bridge border crossing.
This story is developing and we will post further details as they become available.