Reports are still early but multiple law enforcement officials are confirming: eight people are dead and over a dozen are injured after a man in a rented Home Depot truck deliberately drove the vehicle down a bicycle path in lower Manhattan.
A school bus operator blocked the truck from continuing — two adults and two children were on the bus at that time. After being blocked, the truck driver then exited the vehicle waving what apparently was a paint ball or pellet gun.
Witnesses have reported that the suspect repeatedly screamed “Allahu Akbar”. This has now been confirmed, and is the basis of this incident being officially called a “terror incident.”
These sorts of “lone wolf” attacks have increased throughout the world since ISIS leaders urged sympathetic extremists to “be jihad in place.”
Police on the scene quickly shot and injured the suspect, who is now in custody. The fact that the suspect possessed non-lethal weapons will certainly have people asking if he was trying to commit suicide.
Wall Street Journal is quoting Mayor Bill DeBlasio who is calling this a terror attack. Reports are that the FBI is now taking over the investigation.
Aleteia’s John Burger will have more on this breaking story. For now, let us call on Saint Patrick and Saint Nicholas, the patron saints of New York City, for their intercession; let us pray for all concerned, especially for the wounded, and for those in grief.
Kyrie Eleison Christi Eleison Kyrie Eleison God, our Creator, have mercy on us God, our Redeemer Jesus Christ, have mercy on us God, Holy Spirit, guide us in wisdom Holy Mary, Mother of God, for us us St. Michael the Archangel, patron of First Responders, pray for us Saint Patrick and Saint Nicholas, pray for us Saints and Servants of God, of New York City, pray for us St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, pray for us St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us Blessed Solanus Casey, pray for us Servants of God Dorothy Day, Pierre Toussaint, Terrence Cooke, Fulton Sheen, pray for us Thomas Merton, pray for us, Father, our complicated times lead us to seek out understanding in the midst of malice and senseless madness. Help us to increasingly see and recognize the humanity of all of those around us, that we may be true reflections of your peace, in all of our thoughts and actions. We beg this through your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit. Our Father, who are in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Glory Be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
And today we celebrate...