(New York) A man attacked three police officers with a machete during New Year’s Eve celebrations near Times Square, New York. The suspect had time to hit two officers in the head before being shot in the shoulder.
The attack took place shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, just a few blocks from the heavily guarded Times Square perimeter, where everyone must be screened to enter.
The two police officers involved were hospitalized: one with a fractured skull, the other with a severe wound. However, their lives are not in danger.
Authorities did not reveal the identity of the suspect, but said he was a 19-year-old man. His life is not in danger either.
There was some excitement near the scene of the attack when the suspect was shot, but celebrations in Times Square continued as if nothing had happened.
An investigation has been opened to shed light on this assault and to understand the suspect’s motives. But the police made it clear that there was no longer any danger to the public.
New York Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference that he was able to speak with one of the affected police officers while the latter was in the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.
The mayor said he was in good spirits. I realize he saved some New Yorkers’ lives tonight. »
The arrested suspect would have acted alone, according to FBI Deputy Director for New York Michael Driscoll.
The New York Police Department organizes a major operation every year to ensure the safety of the crowds that gather in Times Square to welcome the New Year. Thousands of officers are deployed in the region, including many enlisted men.
Mayor Adams said one of the injured officers graduated from the police academy as of Friday.
Times Square can only be accessed through checkpoints where officers use metal detectors to monitor weapons. Large bags and coolers are prohibited. Barriers have also been installed to prevent vehicular attacks.
However, the security perimeter cannot expand forever. The attack occurred on the 8the A street which is often crowded with a heavy crowd trying to get to one of the entrances to the official website.
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