(JTA) — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called an explosion in Manhattan that injured at least 29 people “intentional,” but said there was no proof of terrorism.
One of the casualties of the Saturday night blast in the New York City borough was critically injured. A pregnant woman and a couple driving by in a car were among those hurt, according to reports. The explosion blew out windows in the Chelsea neighborhood and caused two nearby buildings to be evacuated.
Hours later, a second device, believed to be a bomb made from a pressure cooker, was found about four blocks away from the initial blast.
“There is no evidence at this point of a terror connection,” De Blasio said at a news conference after the explosion. “There is no specific and credible threat against New York City at this point in time from any terror organization.”
The United Nations General Assembly, which will be attended by dozens of world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to open Tuesday at the U.N. in Manhattan.
The trendy Chelsea neighborhood is home to restaurants and bars, shops, art galleries and businesses, including several entertainment spots popular with the gay community.
Earlier Saturday, an explosion was detonated in a garbage can on the route of a Marine Corps charity run in Seaside Park, New Jersey. One of three pipe bombs placed in the receptacle blew up. The race was cancelled.
De Blasio told reporters early Sunday morning that there did not appear to be a link between the incidents in New York and New Jersey.
