'Ban assault SUVs': Outrage as explosive-filled car kills after barreling into NY Eve Rochester concert

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK: A New Year's Eve celebration turned to tragedy in Rochester, New York, when a driver plowed an explosives-filled Ford Expedition SUV into a crowd leaving a concert, causing a fiery crash that left two people dead and several injured, as reported by New York Post.

The shocking incident is being investigated as a potential domestic terror attack after police found gasoline canisters in the suspect's rented vehicle.

Driver of SUV identified as Michael Avery of Syracuse

The driver who attempted to plow through the crowd has been identified as Michael Avery of Syracuse. Avery rented the Expedition SUV before driving to Rochester for the concert at the Kodak Center. He died later at the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.

Investigators report finding a suicide note and journal in Avery's Rochester hotel room, leading them to believe mental illness may have played a role. Avery's family told police he suffered from bipolar depression. Authorities plan to search a storage unit owned by Avery in Syracuse as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Explosives-filled Ford SUV collided with Uber exiting nearby parking lot

Rochester officers were aiding pedestrians when a Ford Expedition accelerated toward the crowd. However, it collided with an Uber exiting a nearby parking lot, leading both vehicles to careen into pedestrians in the crosswalk and crash into two more cars, setting off a fierce blaze that took nearly an hour to extinguish.

Tragically, the couple inside the Uber lost their lives, while the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized shortly after. Three pedestrians were also struck by the careening SUV and Uber. One is in critical condition while the other two sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The explosive crash is being investigated as possible domestic terrorism given the presence of gasoline canisters in Avery's vehicle. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans solemnly addressed the community, emphasizing that “unfortunately today we don’t have good news because we have several individuals whose families’ lives are changed because they will not be here to bring in 2024.”

Internet reacts to the tragic incident in Rochester during New Year's Eve

Following the tragic incident in Rochester, reactions poured in online, reflecting a range of emotions and opinions. One user mocked calls for ban on assault rifles after any mass shooting, saying, "Ban assault SUVs."

Another's comment, "Importing a third world country, gets you a third world country," highlighted broader societal concerns.

A different perspective emerged as another user connected the event to border policies, stating, "Consequences of an open border @GovKathyHochul."

Meanwhile, a commenter approached the situation with a blend of call for action and compassion for victims, stating, "Ban all assault vehicles! Am I doing this right? Prayers for the families of the injured and those who lost loved ones."

Expressing genuine concern, another user asked, "Oh no. I hope everyone is okay. Did anyone get hurt?" Conversely, a sardonic comment emerged, with a user dryly stating, "The best nation on world!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.