Tragedy Strikes New Year’s Celebration in Rochester: Deadly Crash Being Investigated. Two killed, five injured as FBI probes crash outside concert venue with potential links to domestic terrorism.
In a shocking turn of events, a New Year’s celebration in Rochester, New York, turned tragic as a deadly car crash outside the Kodak Center is now under investigation as a case of domestic terrorism. The suspect, identified as Michael Avery from Syracuse, allegedly left a suicide note and journal in his hotel room, leading authorities to escalate the investigation.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is actively involved, examining the crash involving two vehicles—one of which was laden with gas canisters—that plowed into the crowd outside the concert venue. The incident claimed the lives of two individuals and left five others injured.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith revealed that the calamity unfolded around 12:50 a.m. on Monday when a Ford SUV collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander at a crosswalk near the venue. The impact sent both vehicles careening into a group of pedestrians, resulting in the tragic loss of two passengers in the Mitsubishi, with the driver sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The Ford’s driver also faced life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital, while three pedestrians suffered injuries, with one in critical condition.
Avery’s family, who reportedly believed he was bipolar though undiagnosed, has cooperated with investigators. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, underlining the severity of the situation.
The crash not only claimed lives but also sparked a fire that took nearly an hour for firefighters to extinguish. In the aftermath, responders discovered “at least a dozen gasoline canisters in and around the striking vehicle,” according to Chief Smith. The Rochester Police Department bomb squad and the joint arson task force promptly responded due to the associated danger level.
Despite the quick response, the motive behind the crash remains unclear. Authorities are collaborating with federal agencies, including the FBI, to unravel the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
The FBI’s Buffalo office is aiding the Rochester police in their investigation, emphasizing the limited details available at this time. Images from the aftermath depict a severely damaged black SUV, charred red canisters, and debris strewn across the roadway, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, during a news conference, urged patience as the investigation unfolds. He asked anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that “nothing is too small” in cases like this. Evans extended condolences to the grieving families and called for the community to unite in prayers for the injured.
The rock band moe., which was performing at the venue before the tragedy, expressed their shock and sadness in a Facebook statement. They conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressed sympathy for those injured, acknowledging the stark contrast between a night meant for celebration and the unforeseen tragedy that transpired.
As the investigation continues, the Rochester community grapples with the aftermath of a night meant for joy and togetherness turned into an inexplicable tragedy, leaving families shattered and a community in mourning.