NY mayor under fire for saying ‘no evidence of a terror connection’ in Manhattan blast

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has been criticized by some for saying there is no link between Saturday night’s explosions and terrorism – despite admitting it was an intentional act. The mayor spoke at a news conference at around 11:30 p.m. local time, just three hours after a blast on West 23rd Street left 29 people injured, one of them critically.

‘Tonight New York City experienced a very serious incident,’ de Blasio said. When pressed by reporters if the blast was the result of terrorism, the mayor said it was premature to say. An investigation is underway and 23rd street was cordoned off. The city also temporarily shut down subway service in the area. READ MORE