Incident Summary:

09/17/2016: An explosive device detonated in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. At least 29 people were injured in the blast. This was one of four related attacks carried out by the assailant in the area. Ahmad Khan Rahami claimed responsibility for this incident and three similar bombings that occurred between September 17 and September 18, 2016 in New York and New Jersey. Sources suspected that Rahami may have been inspired by Abu Muhammad al Adnani, a spokesperson for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Sources also noted that Rahami admired Osama bin Laden and Anwar al-Awlaki in his journal.

GTD ID:
201609170002

When:
2016-09-17

Country:
United States

Region:
North America

Province/administrative
region/u.s. state:

New York

City:
New York City

Location Details:
The incident occurred in the Chelsea area of Manhattan.

Attack Information
Type of Attack (more) Bombing/Explosion
Successful Attack? (more) Yes
Target Information (more)
Target Type: Private Citizens & Property
Name of Entity Not Applicable
Specific Description Civilians
Nationality of Target United States
Additional Information
Hostages No
Ransom No
Property Damage Yes
Extent of Property Damage Minor (likely < $1 million)
Value of Property Damage Unknown
Weapon Information
Type Sub-type
Explosives Remote Trigger
Weapon Details
A remote-controlled explosive device utilizing a flip phone as a triggering mechanism and containing ball bearings and BBs was used in the attack.
Additional Information
Suicide Attack?No
Part of Multiple Incident?Yes
Criterion 1 (more) Yes
Criterion 2 (more) Yes
Criterion 3 (more) Yes
Doubt Terrorism Proper (more) No
Additional Information Casualty numbers conflict across sources. Following GTD protocol, the majority reliable estimates are reported here.
Perpetrator Group Information
Group Name Claimed Responsibility
Jihadi-inspired extremists Yes (Confirmed: Unknown; Mode: Note left at scene)
Perpetrator Statistics
Number of Perpetrators 1
Number of Captured Perpetrators 1
Casualty Information
Total Number of Casualties 0 Fatalities / 29 Injured
Total Number of Fatalities 0
Number of U.S. Fatalities 0
Number of Perpetrator Fatalities 0
Total Number of Injured 29
Number of U.S. Injured 29
Number of Perpetrators Injured 0
Sources
"Ahmad Khan Rahami: Blood-soaked journal shows New York bombing suspect was inspired by Isis; Journal cites call to 'attack the kuffar [disbelievers] in their backyard'," The Independent, September 22, 2016.
"Suspect in New York, New Jersey bombings charged with shooting officer, awaits federal charges," FOXNews.com, September 20, 2016.
"Reports of explosion, injuries in NYC's Chelsea section," CNBC, September 18, 2016.