maroke/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Two students and two school staff members are among the injured after a male suspect drove a rented Home Depot truck and plowed into pedestrians and cyclists on a jogging and bike path Tuesday in lower Manhattan, in an area populated with many schools, according to the New York City Board of Education. One of the students is in critical condition.
At least 8 people were killed and at least a dozen more were injured in the attack.
New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina said in a statement, “Today there was an act of terror in close proximity to several schools in lower Manhattan. We stand with the entire city as we mourn this senseless loss of life. We are grateful to the first responders and school staff who work tirelessly to help keep our schools and communities safe. Ongoing guidance and trauma counselors will be provided across schools to those in need tomorrow.”
The Board of Education said it is providing “ongoing support” to the family of the student in critical condition.
New York Police Commissioner James O’Neill said that the truck “collided with a school bus” at Chambers Street, injuring two adults and two children. There are no street intersections between the point where the suspect entered and where the vehicle stopped.
The attack happened at 3:05 p.m., right after many schools’ dismissal.
These nearby schools include all grade levels, from kindergarten to high school.
About ten minutes before, I.S. 289 Hudson River Middle School let students out of 10th period before they had to go on lockdown.
Nearby schools went on lockdown requiring students and staff to stay inside.
The closest school was Stuyvesant High School, but all of the schools are within blocks.
The lockdown and shelter-in-place have been lifted for students.
The schools in the area include:
– Stuyvesant High School at 345 Chambers Street
– The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)at 199 Chambers Street
– PS 89 at Warren and West Streets
– PS 234 Independence School at 292 Greenwich Street
– IS 289 Hudson River Middle School at 201 Warren Street
One of the main buildings of BMCC was right where the incident happened and they have closed their main campus ramp.
The corner of BMCC’s campus where the incident happened is also where their early childhood center is located.
Many of the students are dressed for the Halloween holiday, as seen when parents came to pick them up.
At the Chambers Street, the truck with a school bus, injuring two adults and two children, police said.
The crash happened in front of students.
“Thank God the trick-or-treaters weren’t out yet,” one witness said.
After the crash, the driver got out of the truck and allegedly fired shots.
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