The car explosion at Niagara Falls yesterday has conclusively been ruled not an act of terrorism by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Spencer wrote how a car explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing triggered reports of a possible terror attack. There were also rumors that the vehicle was packed with explosives. New camera footage cast doubt on the terrorism angle, with the FBI describing the situation as “fluid” initially.
The Port of Buffalo, NY has resumed operations at the Peace Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge and Lewiston Bridge border crossings. https://t.co/9twuEbrPsZ
— CBP Buffalo (@CBPBuffalo) November 22, 2023
When the terrorism narrative began to fray, the new theory was that this was a stolen vehicle, where the two occupants, both killed in the crash, were trying to speed past the checkpoint into Canada, which explains the erratic driving. The car is shown striking something, possibly a barrier, making it go airborne before catching fire and exploding.
The FBI said that no explosives were ever in the vehicle and that no “terrorism nexus” could be identified.
#NEW Statement from #FBI Buffalo regarding the investigation at Rainbow Bridge: pic.twitter.com/4lwvq8PsAe
— FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) November 23, 2023
The news was shocking, especially as millions are still traveling for Thanksgiving. In the wake of the Israel-Hamas war and the increased terror threats that have arisen from that conflict, it wouldn’t have shocked me if this was an act of terrorism. Blessedly, it wasn’t, but it wasn’t a far-fetched theory. We’ve already had two Palestinians either commit acts of domestic terrorism or plan to carry out one. One Indianapolis woman crashed into what she thought was a Jewish school for her people. In Houston, Texas, a radical Palestinian was able to acquire firearms illegally and planned to attack the local Jewish community.