Niagara Falls Car Crash Not a Terror Attack, FBI Says

The FBI has ended its investigation into a fiery car wreck that killed two people at a border checkpoint in Niagara Falls after finding no evidence that it was a terror attack.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has concluded its investigation into a fiery car wreck that killed two people at a border checkpoint in Niagara Falls, New York. The incident, which occurred on November 23rd, initially raised concerns of a potential terrorist attack, prompting a heightened state of alert as Americans prepared for the Thanksgiving holiday.

FBI Ends Investigation, No Terrorist Nexus Found

However, after thorough investigation, the FBI announced late on Wednesday that no evidence of terrorism was found in connection with the crash. The vehicle involved in the incident sped through an intersection, hit a median, and became airborne before crashing into a line of booths and exploding at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Local police have now taken over the case as a traffic investigation.

Search Reveals No Explosives or Terrorist Connection

A comprehensive search of the scene by the FBI revealed no explosive materials or any indication of a terrorist nexus. In a statement, the FBI's Buffalo office confirmed that the matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation. The Niagara Falls Police Department's Crash Management Unit has assumed responsibility for the ongoing investigation, which is expected to take some time due to the complexity of the incident.

Identities of Deceased and Ongoing Investigation

According to an individual briefed on the investigation, who spoke to the Associated Press (AP) on condition of anonymity, the two individuals who lost their lives in the crash were a married couple. However, the identities of the deceased have not been released to the public at this time.

The incident resulted in the closure of the Rainbow Bridge and three other bridges connecting western New York and Ontario. Federal officials swiftly responded to the scene, and both US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received briefings on the situation. However, hours later, officials sought to alleviate concerns, emphasizing that there were no indications of terrorist activity.

New York Governor and Senator Address the Incident

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, stated at a news conference that based on the available information, there were no signs of terrorist activity in the crash. She described the car involved as being incinerated, leaving only the engine and charred debris behind. Later that evening, New York Senator Chuck Schumer announced that investigators had found no connection to any terrorist or criminal group.

Senator Schumer further noted that no evidence of chemicals or substances used in explosives was detected during the investigation's swabbing of the scene. The Rainbow Bridge, which connects the United States and Canada, sees approximately 6,000 vehicles crossing it each day, according to the US Federal Highway Administration's National Bridge Inventory.

Witness Account

Rickie Wilson, a Niagara Falls tour guide and eyewitness to the incident, was standing near his parked car when he saw something in the air. Initially mistaking it for an airplane, he realized it was a vehicle flying through the air in slow motion.

The conclusion of the FBI's investigation into the Niagara Falls car crash brings a sense of relief, dispelling fears of a terrorist attack. While the tragic incident claimed the lives of two individuals, the focus now shifts to the ongoing traffic investigation led by the Niagara Falls Police Department. The investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash and provide answers to the families of the deceased. As the investigation progresses, the hope is that a clearer picture of the events leading up to the crash will emerge, allowing for appropriate measures to be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.