Axios PM

New York City was the scene of a terrorist attack this morning. Fortunately, no one was killed, although three people suffered injuries. The suspect, 27-year-old Akayed Ullah, is in custody.

The NYT reports: "He chose the location because of its Christmas-themed posters, recalling strikes in Europe against Christmas markets, he told investigators, and set off bomb in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria and elsewhere, several law enforcement officials said."

More details from Axios' Alayna Treene:

• The explosion occurred in an underground walkway that runs through the Port Authority bus terminal and Times Square along 42nd Street, the New York Police Department said.
• Ullah is a lawful permanent resident "who benefitted from extended family chain migration," per Homeland Security.
• Ullah attached the "low-tech" pipe bomb to himself with a "combination of Velcro and zip ties," NYC Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said during a press conference.
• O'Neill said that Ullah acted alone and that no other devices had been found.
• It's unclear whether Ullah was attempting a suicide bombing.
• Ullah was taken into custody and transported to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated for severe burns to his hands and abdomen.

One big quote, from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo: "This is New York. The reality is that we are a target for people who would like to make a statement against democracy, against freedom. We are not going to allow them to disrupt us."

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