Feds involved in New York explosions investigation, seek suspect

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Homeland Security is actively monitoring and participating in the investigations of the explosions in New York and New Jersey this weekend.

In the wake of a number of explosions in the New York and New Jersey areas, and the discovery of pipe bombs in a backpack, the FBI is asking for assistance in locating Ahmad Khan Rahami. Rahami is wanted for questioning in connection with an explosion that occurred on September 17, 2016, at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the vicinity of 135 West 23rd Street, New York, New York.

Rahami is a 28-year-old United States citizen of Afghan descent born on January 23, 1988, in Afghanistan. His last known address was in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He is about 5’ 6” tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. Rahami has brown hair, brown eyes, and brown facial hair. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

A statement by Department Of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh C. Johnson in the wake of the explosions reads:

As I do annually for this event, in preparation for the United Nations General Assembly in New York City this week, in June I designated the event a “National Special Security Event.” This means that thousands of DHS personnel, led by the Secret Service, are deployed to New York City for the security of UNGA.

DHS will provide this security for UNGA in partnership with the New York City Police Department, the Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and multiple other federal, state, and local agencies. Any area in New York City associated with UNGA will therefore be subject to an extraordinarily high level of surveillance and security.

I echo New York City officials in reminding the public in the New York City area that If You See Something, Say Something.”