Investigation of Rochester Crash as Possible Act of Domestic Terrorism; Alleged Suicide Note and Journal Found
FBI probes deadly Rochester crash as possible domestic terrorism after two cars, one filled with gas canisters, drive into crowd at New Year's concert; investigation ongoing Dozen canisters recovered at scene
The car crash outside a New Years concert in Rochester, New York is under investigation as a possible case of domestic terrorism, as the suspect reportedly left behind a suicide note and journal in his hotel room, according to a knowledgeable source. The suspect has been named as Michael Avery from Syracuse, and investigators have interviewed his family.
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is conducting an investigation following a collision involving two vehicles, one of which was carrying gas canisters, that crashed into a crowd outside the concert at the Kodak Center. This tragic event resulted in the death of two individuals and left five others injured.
According to Rochester Police Chief David Smith, the incident occurred as revelers were crossing a crosswalk outside the venue at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Monday. A Ford SUV collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander that was exiting a nearby parking lot.
Smith reported that the impact of the collision propelled the vehicles into a crowd of pedestrians crossing the street. Two individuals in the Mitsubishi lost their lives as a result, while the driver was transported to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The driver of the Ford also sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized, as confirmed by the chief.
Three pedestrians who were struck were taken to a hospital, one with life-threatening injuries, Smith said.
At least a dozen gasoline canisters found
The fire caused by the crash took nearly an hour for firefighters to extinguish, according to the chief. After the flames were put out, first responders discovered "at least twelve gasoline canisters in and around the vehicle involved in the collision," the chief reported.
"Based on the danger level associated with these, the Rochester police department bomb squad and the joint arson task force responded to the scene," Smith added.
The scene of a fiery crash outside the Kodak Center on January 1.
WHAM
It is not clear what caused the crash, or why the canisters were present at the scene.
"We are collaborating with our federal partners, such as the FBI, to understand the exact circumstances that resulted in this crash," Smith explained.
The FBI's Buffalo office is currently providing assistance to the Rochester police in their investigation. "Details are limited at this time as we work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to gather more information," the FBI stated on X, previously known as Twitter.
WHAM, a CNN affiliate, captured photos of a severely damaged and burnt black SUV halted in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The aftermath of the crash left charred red canisters and debris scattered across the road.
During a news conference on Monday, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans requested patience as the investigation into the incident unfolds. He also urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward and reach out to authorities.
He stressed, "In cases like this, no gesture is too small."
Evans extended his sympathy to the families of the deceased and urged the community to keep them and the injured in their prayers.
"I would have loved to stand at this podium and wish you all a happy new year with a smile, but unfortunately... we have several individuals whose families' lives will be forever changed because they will not be here to welcome 2024," Evans said.
The rock band, moe., who performed at the venue before the crash, shared a statement on Facebook expressing their deep shock and sadness over the incident.
The band expressed their condolences for the tragedy that occurred on what should have been a night of celebration and togetherness. They extended their sympathy to the families of the victims and wished healing for the injured. CNN contacted the authorities and the venue for additional information.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNNs Taso Stefanidis contributed to this report
