A preliminary investigation shows a possible smoke device was detonated at the station, according to a senior law enforcement official. The NYPD said that there were no active explosive devices at this time.
The incident began at about 8:30 a.m. when the Fire Department of New York was called to the 36th Street subway station in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighbourhood for a report of smoke.
Two sources said that five people were shot. Police said, citing a preliminary report, a male perpetrator possibly wearing a gas mask and orange construction vest fled the scene.
Police told the public to avoid the area of 36th Street and 4th Avenue in Brooklyn, where a large presence of emergency responders gathered.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has Covid-19, has been briefed on the situation, his spokesperson Fabien Levy said.
“While we gather more information, we ask New Yorkers to stay away from this area for their safety and so that first responders can help those in need and investigate,” Levy said on Twitter.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the subways, says they are also investigating the incident and that D, N and R trains are holding in both directions in Brooklyn.
