NYC bomb scare update: Chrysler Building in Manhattan evacuated after suspicious suitcase found amid UNGA
A suspicious suitcase found on a Manhattan sidewalk Tuesday afternoon prompted a bomb squad response and the temporary evacuation of the Chrysler Building. The incident came as New York City was under heightened security for the United Nations General Assembly.
A parked NYPD Bomb Squad vehicle, as law enforcement respond to reports of a suspicious package on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (REUTERS)The suitcase was found shortly before 3 p.m. near East 43rd Street and Third Avenue, close to the Chrysler Building and about two avenues from the United Nations headquarters.
An NYPD canine unit detected something inside the suitcase, prompting officers from the department’s Bomb Squad and Emergency Services Unit to respond. Other federal agencies were also reportedly in the area as security was heightened for UN General Assembly events.
The Chrysler Building was evacuated as a precaution while authorities examined the suitcase, according to Reuters.
“Due to a suspicious package, 42nd Street through 44th Street is closed between 2nd Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Please avoid the area,” the NYPD initially said in an alert posted on X.
About 90 minutes later, authorities determined that the package did not pose a threat and cleared the suitcase. Some road closures remained temporarily as crews reopened the area.
No injuries were reported, and officials did not identify an actual threat.
The incident comes as New York hosts the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. According to Reuters, nearly 130 heads of state and government are in New York City this week.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman are also taking part in the high-level meetings.
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More
