Bombing at New York Armed Services Recruiting Center

By Rick Moran

A small bomb went off in front of the New York City Armed Forces Recruiting Center early this morning blowing out windows and shutting down traffic for several hours:

New York City police officers and firefighters cordoned off much of Times Square for more than two hours after a small explosion — apparently set off by a manmade device — damaged the front of the Armed Forces Career Center on the traffic island bounded by 43rd and 44th Streets, Seventh Avenue and Broadway around 4 a.m., officials said.

No one was injured, and after a temporary interruption, subway service was restored. Most traffic around Times Square was allowed to pass by 6:45 a.m., after vehicles had been diverted for more than two hours.

City officials confirmed that police had initially blocked off the area as a precaution to ensure that there was no secondary device or other threat; the officials emphasized that they did not believe anyone was in danger.

Police officers at the scene said the explosion — which they attributed to an “improvised explosive device” — blew a hole through the front door of the recruiting station, which is at the northern end of the structure.

Interesting that police are looking at a possible connection between this incident and bombings at two consulates in 2005 and 2007. All went off early in the morning and injured no one. Also, in one of the bombings a man was seen leaving the scene on a bicycle as was a suspect in today's explosion.

The FBI 's terrorism unit is heading up the investigation. Although this particular nut seems to be careful, there's always the possibility of miscalculation and someone would end up getting killed.

Let's hope they can get this guy of the streets before he does any real damage.