Times Sq. Bomb Letters: "We Did It"

Lawmakers Get Letters Containing Photo Of Military Recruiting Station; Security Video Shows Suspect

(CBS/AP)  Authorities are investigating letters sent to Capitol Hill offices showing pictures of a Times Square military recruiting station that was bombed early Thursday morning, causing minor damage.

CBS News has learned that several members of Congress have received an identical 20-page letter, sent by U.S. mail, which contains a picture of the recruiting station. FBI and Capitol Police are examining the letters, but the contents apparently don’t contain threats.

The federal lawmakers' offices received letters containing a photo of the Times Square military recruiting office before it was bombed and including the claim "We Did It."

The manila envelopes contained a photo of a man standing in front of the recruiting station before it was bombed. The photo was the kind commonly sent as a holiday greeting card, according to a Democratic aide who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The message on the card read "Happy New Year, We Did It."

The envelope also contained what seemed to be a political manifesto railing against the Iraq war and a booklet. A second aide said similar letters arrived in as many as 10 offices.

The man in the photo was described as thin, white with graying hair, wearing a striped flannel shirt and jeans.

The NYPD has also released footage from a private security camera showing a cyclist riding up to the recruiting station just before the bomb was detonated. After the bicyclist rides away at 3:40 a.m., a brief flash and a cloud of white smoke can be seen. The bike believed used in the crime was later found in the trash on West 38th Street.

New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said a witness, prior to the explosion, saw a man wearing a grey hoodie and a backpack riding a bicycle on the traffic island in a "suspicious" manner.

When an officer in a police substation next door to the recruitment office came out after the bombing, the witness provided a description of the man but had not seen the person's face.

The low-order explosive planted in an ammunition box went off at about 3:45 a.m., shattering the station's glass entryway. No one was injured.

No one was inside the station, where the Marines, Air Force and Navy also recruit.

Kelly described the explosive as "not a particularly sophisticated device."

Police blocked off the area to investigate. Forensic evidence collected at the scene is being sent to the FBI's laboratory in Quantico, Va.

"The fact that this appears deliberately directed at the recruiting station insults every one of our brave men and women stationed around the world," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a press conference in Times Square Thursday.

Witnesses staying at a Marriott hotel four blocks away said they could feel the building shake with the blast.

One person told CBS station WCBS-TV, "I heard this big bang. I thought it was thunder. I looked out the window, and didn't see any rain, I saw people running."

"It shook the building. I thought it could have been thunder, but I looked down and there was a massive plume of smoke so I knew it was an explosion," said Terry Leighton, 48, of London, who was staying on the 21st floor of the Marriott.

Members of the police department's bomb squad and fire officials gathered outside the station in the early morning darkness, and police cars and yellow tape blocked drivers - most of them behind the wheels of taxicabs - from entering one of the world's busiest crossroads.

The police, which have drilled for this kind of event, cordoned off the area very quickly, but have since re-opened the streets to traffic.

Though subway cars passed through the Times Square station without stopping in the early hours of the investigation, normal service was soon restored, with some delays.

Bloomberg said that New Yorkers were not intimidated by the incident. "People are going about their business: shopping, working and sightseeing. They were not intimidated.

"New York City is back and open for business," he said.

Authorities are examining surveillance videos from the area, a process which will take several hours. They are also requesting any other witnesses or people with information to call the police hotline at (800) 577-TIPS.

The recruiting station, located on a traffic island surrounded by Broadway theaters and chain restaurants, has occasionally been the site of anti-war demonstrations, ranging from silent vigils to loud rallies.

In October 2005 a group of activists who call themselves the Granny Peace Brigade rallied there against the Iraq war. Eighteen activists, most of them grandmothers with several in their 80s and 90s, were later acquitted of disorderly conduct.

The recruiting station was renovated in 1999 to better fit into the flashy ambiance of Times Square, using neon tubing to give the glass and steel office a patriotic American flag motif. For a half century, the station was the armed forces' busiest recruiting center. It has set national records for enlistment, averaging about 10,000 volunteers a year.

Police said it was too early to say if the blast may have been related to two other minor explosions in the city.

In October, two small explosive devices were tossed over a fence at the Mexican consulate, shattering three windows but causing no injuries. No threats had been made against the consulate, and no one took responsibility for the explosion, police said.

At the time, police said they were investigating whether it was connected to a similar incident at the British consulate on May 5, 2005.

In that incident, the explosions took place in the early morning hours, when Britons were going to the polls in an election that returned Prime Minister Tony Blair to power.

In both cases, the instruments were fake grenades sometimes sold as novelty items. They were packed with black power and detonated with fuses, but incapable of causing serious harm, police said.

[richnj1]

I don''t think it''s a terrorist; I think it''s someone who is so fed up with our lawless government that they were making a statement about our immoral war. It reminds me of the 60s when ROTC buildings were bombed because we were in a similarly immoral war in Vietnam. I don''t condone the use of violence of course, but it sounds like they planned this so as not to hurt anyone.

[ritchie_laird]

I really hope its nothing to worry about.

I will keep listening for updates.

[ritchie_laird]

hope its nothing to worry about.

I''ll keep watching for updates.

[DaveGress]

rafterman1 - you forgot religiuos extremist. Or are they grouped inthere with terrorist?

[joyous88]

orange alert, orange alert, run for you lives,

thank your particular god that the surge is saving us

[excoachken]

Probably the Environmental Liberation Front. The heard that "A Tree Grew in Brooklyn" and wanted a Rain Forest for Manhattan!

[jersupporter]

Again, just another example of violent Bush bashing dummycrats conducting terrorists activities in the US. You havent seen that knucklehead MCVet have you. Probably coming up with some swastikas to place on the board this morning.

[excoachken]

To JERsupporter: Why would you think the ELF is made up of Democrats? Is it because the Cowardly Cowboy has spent 7+ years destroying our environment for the profit of his goombas?

[hillaryin08]

Small Explosion Rattles Times Square
Early-Morning Blast Causes Minor Damage To Empty Military Recruiting Station

First shot fired in the Liberal Jihad. Actually ELF started the Liberal Fascist Revolution.

[cbs_oliver]

In a continental nation of 300,000,000 people there will be explosions now and then.

The media seems intent on reporting every one as soon as possible.

What a bunch of punks.

I could see if it was August, but this is rediculus.

Maybe we should all send them updates whenever one of us stubs a toe or loses a pencil or whatever.

[rplat]

The good old left wing media really knew how to play down this incident . . . "minor damage to an empty military recruiting station". It''s a wonder they just didn''t mark it off to kids having fun or some other nonsensical reason.

[hillaryin08]

The first little trembling in the force. Thank goodness the Bushit terrorist regime will be over soon.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 08:31 AM : Mar 06, 2008

Its all in your mind lib just like the guys who did it. The big question is, how many people suffer from the pathological delusion that they are actually living in Tyrany and their willingness to act out?

[cbs_oliver]

"(CBS/AP) An explosive device caused minor damage to an empty military recruiting station in Times Square early Thursday, shaking guests in hotel rooms high above."

How about a source for the "explosive device" statement.

[omega39-2009]

An explosive device caused minor damage to an empty military recruiting station in Times Square early Thursday,

Witnesses staying at a Marriott hotel four blocks away said they could feel the building shake with the blast.


So which is it? A blast that shakes a building 4 blocks away should be a big blast causing major damage.

[cbs_oliver]

For you "Barney Miller" fans...

Posted by Nancy_Naive at 08:48 AM : Mar 06, 2008
--------

Very funny!

But actually most of the people in the peace movement have traditionally been
............
wait for it
...........
peaceful.

Go figure.

But they have sprinkled their own blood about now and then.

Bombs more likely to be personal or a right wing thing.

After all, the right wing likes violence.

I guess nature was not so kind to them.

[harp1963]

Putting GPS chips in everyone, bugging the entire nations phone system, and going back to the plantation owner way of life with George Bush becoming like the North Korean dictator who employs total mind control over his people is the solution to this issue.

[b-easy63]

anybody think this is Bush--trying to give McCain momentum on the "scare them with terrorists front" while minimizing civilian casualties this time?

[hillaryin08]

anybody think this is Bush--trying to give McCain momentum on the "scare them with terrorists front" while minimizing civilian casualties this time?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by b-easy63 at 09:17 AM : Mar 06, 2008

No, I think its Liberal Jihadist acting out the pathological Tyrany they are living in their minds. Like the ELF group.

[hillaryin08]

singinricky, this is all Bush''''s Fault. And Jesus doesn''''t love you anymore.
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FloydZepp at 09:20 AM : Mar 06, 2008

speaking of Liberal Juhadist............one majicially apprears.

[b-easy63]

The good old left wing media really knew how to play down this incident . . . "minor damage to an empty military recruiting station". It''''s a wonder they just didn''''t mark it off to kids having fun or some other nonsensical reason.

Posted by rplat at 08:38 AM : Mar 06, 2008


You are absolutely right. They should have flashed it in HUGE letters all across the front pages and let it be the lead story--then for good measure, told us in great detail, how no one was injured, but if they had been--described in all the ways such injuries would occur. Terrorism was part of the 20th century (and Europe and Asia simply dealt with it and kept going with their daily lives) and terrorism will continue to be a part of our lives in this century. When Americans realize and accept this--they will mature enough to keep it and the toll it takes into perspective, take precautions--but NEVER, EVER let acts define them or their culture or rule their daily lives. Bush et al was too immature and emotionally inept to learn this--but we are getting better.

You can cower and seek to be fed fear tidbits on a daily basis--but unless you are a masochistttt or a thrill seeker--it is best to keep everything in perspective, grow up and move on.

[hillaryin08]

It was just a recruiting station for more unjust war aggression...

Is there any real news today?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by jh6379 at 09:23 AM : Mar 06, 2008

There goes another one...........

[hillaryin08]

hillaro08, you still a RINOpublican? Still afraid that billions of tribal low tech turrrists are gonna invade Amurrrrica and take away your NASCAR and make you grow a beard?

HAHAHAHA!! RINOsaurs. Going extinct.....


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FloydZepp at 09:22 AM : Mar 06, 2008

Im pretty sure that when McCain wins in November on a stay in Iraq platform you and jh6379 will be blowing stuff up too...........Hopefully yourselves while your at it.

[xraytwonine]

"Witnesses staying at a Marriott hotel four blocks away said they could feel the building shake with the blast."
very exciting news reporting!

[b-easy63]

Im pretty sure that when McCain wins in November on a stay in Iraq platform you and jh6379 will be blowing stuff up too...........Hopefully yourselves while your at it.

Posted by hillaryin08 at 09:26 AM : Mar 06, 2008

If (and that is a big "IF") McCain wins in November, it will not be because of his platform--it''ll probably be because Americans hate Hillary even more than they hate staying in Iraq and her supporters refused to accept this. LOL

[hillaryin08]

hillaro08, you still a RINOpublican? Still afraid that billions of tribal low tech turrrists are gonna invade Amurrrrica and take away your NASCAR and make you grow a beard?

HAHAHAHA!! RINOsaurs. Going extinct.....

Posted by FloydZepp at 09:22 AM : Mar 06, 2008

Im pretty sure that when McCain wins in November on a stay in Iraq platform you and jh6379 will be blowing stuff up too...........Hopefully yourselves while your at it. Or blowing each other, whichever comes first.

[infidel_us]

Anyone seen Fauxbama''s buddy ''Ayres'' lately???
Sounds like his bedwetting lib MO. Too cowardly to go join up and die like a man.....has to sneak around like a terrorist in the dark and plant bombs.

They should find him and not waste time with a trial. Just put him against the nearest wall and shoot.

[cbs_oliver]

hate hate hate...the story of their lives.

Posted by singinrick at 09:16 AM : Mar 06, 2008
--------------

It seems to me that deceit, hate and violence are your favorite things.

It would be great if you have turned a new page, but I haven''t seen anything that makes me think you have or will.

Too bad.

[hillaryin08]

If (and that is a big "IF") McCain wins in November, it will not be because of his platform--it''''ll probably be because Americans hate Hillary even more than they hate staying in Iraq and her supporters refused to accept this. LOL


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by b-easy63 at 09:28 AM : Mar 06, 2008

I know. The best part about it is she will steal the election from Obamma and the Libs will give her a pass on it. Its truly pathetic.

[oscarez]

The CIA is at it again. Bush will be invoking a state of emergency and suspend the election. Four more years of Bush.

[Marie Zarankevich]

Our problem is misguided adolescence. In our country, some junior versions may do some things they regret later, as they are growing up. In some other countries, those same bad boys entirely skip over the growing up part, and just keep pulling that trigger on that toy gun, only they''re not toys any more. The kids over here don''t realize the difference! They are easily influenced, and enjoy the mystique of violence, temporarily.

[quetzal0666]

Jesus set the explosive charge,
hes upset that Mackayn stole the nomination from Huckleberry......

[hillaryin08]

-Go cry a river Floyd. No wonder Wright Patt transferred you. They probably got tired of you abusing government time bashing the USA on internet message forums instead of blaming the real evil in this world: Islamic Jihad.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by singinrick at 09:34 AM : Mar 06, 2008

Pink Floyd is in the Air Force? That explaines everything. Love the new uniform Floyd, I didnt think that anything could out gay the New Army one until I saw yours.....

[hillaryin08]

-He''''s not in the Air Force, he''''s working civil service for the Air Force collecting big GS-12 pay while abusing the very government that employs him.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by singinrick at 09:37 AM : Mar 06, 2008

And the suprise is? This is in the liberal doctrine....

[hillaryin08]

-He''''s not in the Air Force, he''''s working civil service for the Air Force collecting big GS-12 pay while abusing the very government that employs him.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by singinrick at 09:37 AM : Mar 06, 2008

GS-12? he certainly not suffering.

[quetzal0666]

At least he has a job. dude.....

[Marie Zarankevich]

Oscarez -- God, I hope you''re wrong! I''ve been thinking that our prez has lost his funny little mind, and is on the brink of some really psychotic choices, and somebody should carefully take his finger off the trigger and put him on the appropriate drugs.

[omega39-2009]

This is obviously the work of that group of antiwar Quakers that the DOD infiltrated back in 2004. I''m sure that reports of a bicycle will yield to later reports of a horse drawn buggy.

[jerr11]

Looks like the republicans are getting ready for the Nov elections.

[Marie Zarankevich]

jerr11 -- Very well stated. LOL

[omega39-2009]

The good old left wing media really knew how to play down this incident . . . "minor damage to an empty military recruiting station". It''''''''s a wonder they just didn''''''''t mark it off to kids having fun or some other nonsensical reason.

Posted by rplat at 08:38 AM : Mar 06, 2008


You are absolutely right. They should have flashed it in HUGE letters all across the front pages and let it be the lead story--then for good measure, told us in great detail, how no one was injured, but if they had been--described in all the ways such injuries would occur.

Posted by b-easy63

For good measure Congress could have stood arm in arm on the steps of the capitol and sang God bless America. Afterwards they could quickly pass a bill authorizing Bush to go after Hugo Chavez.

[rplat]

"It reminds me of the 60s when ROTC buildings were bombed because we were in a similarly immoral war in Vietnam. I don''''t condone the use of violence of course, but it sounds like they planned this so as not to hurt anyone."

I see . . . and how many combat tours did you have in Vietnam?

Posted by richnj1

[libsrweak]

oh oh..the liberals are here..they are such a bunch of peace loving people who believes in democarcy

even if it means killing you

[rf35]

Whoever did this needs to be hunted down and procecuted like any terrorist.

When will people realize that the recruiters don''t start wars and the rank and file military troops don''t support the Iraq war (we do what we''re ordered, whether we support it or not). Blowing up the recruiting station doesn''t make a statement against the war, it makes the statement that the bomber is psychotic.

Rick, a military member who speaks out against the war is not bashing the government, he is just not behaving like a robot. We follow orders, but we also work to change things in legal ways and exercise our First Amendment rights (the ones you always talk about on these boards). I don''t like our current Commander in Chief, but I took an oath to follow his orders. That doesn''t mean I will stop apeaking out against the war or stop trying to do everything in my power to ensure another like him isn''t elected.

P.S. These statements are the personal opinions of the poster and do not reflect the official views of the Department of Defense or the United States Air Force.

[gheemaster38]

Does this mean we are going to another funky color code alert. Let''s try Hot Pink this time..

[sumacidal]

How long until bicycles are banned in Times Square?

[rushlimbaug4]

Guarantee this was done by an anti-military liberal nutjob

Ironic how the people who are anti-military
are very militant about it

lol


Posted by mocaIeo at 09:34 AM : Mar 06, 2008

Greetings, Mocaleo, my loyal listener!!!

There is no doubt that this was a LIB act of hatred toward the freedom loving Bush Administration! I have it on good authority that a witness to the event saw a thin, well dressed individual riding a bike who was acting suspiciously near the recruitment center. We all know that most America loving Flag Waving True Patriots are overweight and tend to wear sweats or flannel no matter the social situation!!! Need I say more?!!!?!!!!

May God continue to Bless America exclusively!!

[dbstevens]

Bloomberg''s comment that this "insults every one of our brave men and women stationed around the world," and Army Capt. Charlie Jaquillard''s statement: "If it is something that''s directed toward American troops then it''s something that''s taken very seriously and is pretty unfortunate," are both examples of the propaganda spin that is put on these sorts of things. Anyone with any degree of consciousness and intelligence knows that any protest of any sort about this subject is directed toward the government who sends our kids out to be killed (and to kill), not to the troops themselves. They''re trying to slant the viewpoint of everyone by making it look like the protest is against our kids. It''s against the war, and the kids that are sent out to fight this disgusting "war" are just pawns in an evil selfish game.

However, I DO oppose violent protests of any sort at all. Anyone who endangers someone''s life or damages property is no better than the people they''re protesting.

[b-easy63]

The majority of our military is sick and tired of liberals and the lib-media downplaying their efforts in Iraq and failing to report the thousands of good things they have done for the innocent Iraqi people over there. Posted by singinrick at 10:29 AM : Mar 06, 2008


By and large, military personnel must do as they are told and with few exceptions, act without questioning or second guessing their superiors. They not only take an oath to do so--they are paid and supported by the government to do so. On the other hand, civilians have taken no such oath and as such are free to question motive, intent, agenda and wisdom of things the government does.

In the end, whether the military is "sick and doggone tired of it" is a moot point. They are paid to do certain things and sworn to do what the CIC wants. So they will do just that. This does not mean the CIC is just or what he wants to do is right--it just means that is their lot in the scheme of things.

for everyone else--it falls to them to question, challenge and if necessary replace a CIC that they deem is abusing power and misusing the military. You may not like that--but thank God that is so.

Presidents are not automatically moral people or even right--and good men can and often are used to do evil things--by bad people or bad judgments. Free will guards against this or at least gives dissent a fighting chance.

[honestabe8]

singinrick: as is your continued blathering.

[b-easy63]

I don''''t need President Bush to tell me that ISlamic Jihad is evil and that it needs defeated for innocent people to continue living.

It''''s a matter of common sense. Something you are apparently lacking.

Posted by singinrick at 10:33 AM : Mar 06, 2008


Really? is that true? So your distrust and belief of the evil of Islam predates the events of 9/11/01 and Bush''s remarks? You even protested and blogged to that effect long before he made it a mantra? links?