How the Subway Attack Unfolded in New York

How did it unfold

The incident occurred around 08:30 local time at the 36th Street subway station during the height of the morning rush. On NBC New York, reports state that the train had not yet reached the platform when the attacker appeared in a gas mask and hurled a device that released a stream of green smoke across the car floor. Moments later, the suspect opened fire on the passengers inside the carriage.

One eyewitness recalled: “The smoke spread instantly through the car. Blood was on the floor, and there were numerous signs of injury. At first, it seemed like fireworks; I didn’t realize there was gunfire. People pushed toward the doors and clambered over one another in a desperate bid to escape,” a passenger told CNN. He estimated there were about 40 to 50 people aboard the car at the time.

Foot-Smith, another observer, noted that after the smoke bombs detonated, the train came to a stop at a red light before continuing toward the station. The delay allowed the smoke to envelop more of the car, obscuring sightlines and complicating escape actions.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams suggested the attacker initially used the smoke device to create confusion and distraction. When the train finally reached the platform, panic erupted as passengers tried to flee through the clouds of smoke. Law enforcement sources indicated that some victims redirected their path to another train at the next station in an effort to seek safety.

An eyewitness, 15-year-old John Bucicares, who arrived at the 36th Street station via another train, described the moment the doors opened and the conductor on his train shouted for passengers on the platform to move inside. “People told me to be careful on the train, but I’d never experienced anything like this before. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe on the subway again,” the youth said.

Patrick Berry, 41, another observer, described a stampede that sent people scattering. According to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), at least six people were injured in the stampede, separate from gunfire injuries.

When the commotion subsided, authorities recovered several inert smoke grenades in the car where the attack began. No explosive device was found. The NYPD did not classify the incident as a terrorist attack.

Affected

The suspect injured individuals both inside the subway car and on the platform. Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh reported a total of 16 people required medical attention, with 10 sustaining gunshot wounds. Injuries ranged from smoke inhalation to shrapnel and panic-related harm.

Five patients were described as stable but in critical condition, according to officials.

According to NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, no life-threatening injuries were reported at the time. Earlier media reports about victims were not yet confirmed by officials.

NBC New York cited law enforcement sources who said the gunman’s weapon had jammed, which may have limited the number of injuries.

Suspicion

Authorities described the attacker as a large, dark-skinned man about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 170 pounds. He wore a gray hooded sweatshirt and a green construction-vest, which led some witnesses to mistake him for a subway worker.

Officials said the gun and the suspect’s briefcase with unused smoke devices were recovered. Despite a substantial police presence, the suspect remained at large as officers continued the search of tunnels and surrounding areas.

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning that the suspect remained on the loose and warned residents to stay clear of the affected area.

New York Mayor Adams urged residents to avoid the station area to avoid hindering the investigation, calling the event an act of senseless violence.

Authorities’ response

White House press secretary announced that the President was aware of the incident and that senior officials were coordinating with local authorities. The Biden administration pledged support as needed through appropriate channels.

A spokesman for the mayor noted that the city would continue to assist investigators and urged New Yorkers to stay away from the affected station to prevent disruption to the inquiry. The mayor condemned the attack and stressed the commitment to public safety in the face of such violence.