New York City, New York – An inert grenade was found in the back seat of an Uber vehicle in Times Square on Saturday, creating a tense situation as the NYPD bomb squad struggled to reach the potential threat due to anti-Israel protesters blocking traffic. Police sources revealed that the discovery occurred after the Uber driver dropped off a passenger at 42nd Street and 7th Avenue in Times Square.
The driver immediately notified the authorities about the grenade in the back seat of his Nissan Altima, prompting a response from the Emergency Services Unit and Bomb Squad. Despite the challenging circumstances caused by the protesters, the police managed to establish a security perimeter around the vehicle containing the grenade, leading to the closure of vehicle and pedestrian traffic on 42nd Street.
Several protesters participating in the Millions March for Palestine were arrested for obstructing the police vehicle responding to the scene. The presence of the inert grenade in the Uber vehicle raised concerns among law enforcement, with the Bomb Squad facing difficulties in accessing the device due to the thousands of protesters marching towards Times Square.
A video released by the NYPD depicted a group of demonstrators surrounding a police vehicle in Times Square before officers intervened to clear the way. The NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, expressed frustration over the situation on social media, emphasizing the importance of not impeding emergency response efforts.
Although police confirmed that the grenade was inert, the incident in Times Square highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces when navigating through large crowds during potential security threats. The investigation into the discovery of the grenade in the Uber vehicle is ongoing, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
As the situation unfolded in Times Square, the presence of the inert grenade underscored the complexities of managing security risks amidst public demonstrations and gatherings. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant need for law enforcement to adapt to evolving threats and ensure the safety of the community. This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.