A lone gunman wearing a reflective vest and possibly a gas mask threw smoke cans on a subway car in Brooklyn and began shooting Tuesday morning, injuring at least 16 people.
As more information about this developing situation becomes available, a manhunt is underway.
At least four of the victims were discovered shortly before 8:30 a.m. at the 36th Street subway station in Sunset Park and another at the 25th Street station in Greenwood Heights. Some of the victims went to the hospitals on their own.
It appears to have happened on the southbound R train, starting at the 25th Street station, at this time. The suspect threw smoke bombs and opened fire as the doors closed.
The victims and, most likely, the suspect then exited the subway at the 36th Street station.
“This perpetrator dropped those smoke cans, if that’s what they are, and shot around, and then exited from that point,” retired NYC Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. “He’s not going to stay on there if there’s smoke on there, even if he has the filter mask.”
There have been no arrests, and schools in the area have gone into lockdown as the search continues.
Police investigated up to four packages that were initially suspected of being suspicious but were later found to be baseless.
The victims were transported to various hospitals, but it is unclear how many people were shot.
According to an FBI official, they are assisting NYPD and it is unclear whether there is any link to terrorism at this time, but FBI headquarters is keeping an eye on things.
