FBI Agent Injured When Flash Grenade Detonates At Federal Plaza

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – An FBI agent was injured when a flash grenade prematurely detonated at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, police said.

Emergency crews were called to the heavily guarded plaza around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The grenade went off in the basement of the building, apparently inside the agent's vehicle, WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported.

"Today, an FBI Special Agent sustained non-life threatening injuries following the accidental discharge of a diversion device in the 26 Federal Plaza garage.  We have no further information to provide regarding the agent's condition, and there is no threat to public safety at this time."

The agent suffered a serious hand injury and was taken to Bellevue Hospital.

Flash-bang grenades are often used by raiding law enforcement officers as a diversion in a volatile, possibly violent situation, Lamb reported.

Authorities said there was no terror threat.

In:
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Rich Lamb