Speaking out a press conference directly outside the site of a blast at a Times Square recruiting center this morning, the mayor condemned the attack, calling the perpetrator a "coward" and promising to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
The blast happened just before 4 a.m. The NYPD says it appears a small explosive device was thrown at the building. It did little damage beyond broken windows, but it was significant enough to rattle a nearby hotel.
No injuries were reported.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the attack was "deliberately directed at the recruiting center" and that it insults the efforts of the courntry's service men and women.
He added that New Yorkers should not be intimidated by the attack, saying the city is "back and open for business," and that traffic has returned to Times Square.
The police commissioner added that the city's arson and explosion unit is examining forensic evidence and that the device, which was encased in an ammunition box, was not particularly sophisticated, but that it could certainly cuase injury or even death.
He added that one witness at the scene saw a man riding a bicycle just before the explosion. The man was wearing a hood and dark colored clothing and had a backpack. The witness did not see the man's face, nor did the witness see the man throw any kind of device.
Investigators are looking at video footage from the area's surveillance cameras, including those from surrounding hotels and small businesses.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said anyone with any information whatsoever should call the city's tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Seventh Avenue and Broadway remain closed at this hour from 42nd to 46th Streets.
Witnesses say they heard a bang and could feel the building shake.
"I heard the noise, I woke up, turned the TV on and I walked down here," said one area resident. "I've just been standing on the corner watching the action."
"Thank God I didn't have a long way to travel, to walk, but it's a mess out here, but thankfully its 4 o'clock in the morning and not in 4 o'clock in the afternoon," added another.
Subway service has been restored after being briefly suspended in the area earlier this morning
I heard it was some malitia trying to pry a 155 round out of the street with an AK47.
The wife called me on her way to the city, this kind of stuff really shakes her up since 9/11. She's had to evacuate her store a few times because of bomb threats.
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