The FBI is currently investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing, a critical point between the United States and Canada located in Niagara Falls. The incident, which has raised suspicions of a possible terror attack, resulted in the tragic death of two individuals and the closure of multiple border crossings in the area.
As reported by CBS News, the explosion occurred when a vehicle, speeding towards the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge, crashed into a pylon. This was immediately followed by a blast, leading to the fatalities of the two occupants inside the vehicle. CNN's reporting corroborated these details.
The Buffalo Field Office of the FBI is spearheading the investigation into this alarming incident, with support from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In their statement, the FBI highlighted the evolving nature of the situation and the limited details available presently.
BREAKING REPORT: Strong explosion at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls has been CONFIRMED AS A TERRORIST attack..
DEVELOPING.. pic.twitter.com/41rIVo69hJ — Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) November 22, 2023
Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured the aftermath of the explosion, showing flames, thick smoke, and a damaged security booth near the checkpoint. Ivan Vitalii, a witness near the bridge at the time, recounted hearing a loud crash followed by the sight of fire and significant smoke.
#BREAKING New surveillance footage captures the moment when the car bombing occurred and exploded at the toll booth of the Rainbow Bridge on the U.S.-Canadian border in Niagara Falls. Authorities are now searching for a second vehicle linked to the terrorist attack. Nearby… pic.twitter.com/734v225XWp — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 22, 2023
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have been briefed on the incident. Governor Hochul acknowledged the ongoing monitoring of the situation and the preparedness of state agencies to offer necessary assistance.
*according to multiple law enforcement sources* the explosion today at the US / Canada Rainbow border bridge was the result of a VBIED terrorist attack.
Still developing so details will likely change...#Niagara #Niagarafalls #RainbowBridge #VBIED #explosion pic.twitter.com/iayD1hOm3n — Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) November 22, 2023
Following the explosion, authorities took immediate action to close the Rainbow Bridge and three other key bridges: the Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, and Whirlpool Bridge. These closures have significantly impacted travel in the region, especially on a day anticipated to be one of the busiest for Thanksgiving travel since 2019.
In a response geared towards heightened security, the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport has implemented rigorous checks for all vehicles entering the premises and advised passengers to expect additional screenings. The Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo also closed its buildings through the Thanksgiving holiday as a precaution, though they reported no known credible threats against the Jewish Community.
The incident at the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, and offers views of the world-renowned waterfalls, has intensified concerns over border security and safety. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the cause and motive behind this potentially terror-related explosion.
