Three people are dead after a possible domestic terrorism attack outside an Upstate New York concert by jam rock band moe.
Police said Michael Avery, a 35-year-old man from the Syracuse area, drove a Ford Expedition into a ride-share vehicle outside the Kodak Center in Rochester shortly before 1 a.m. Monday (New Year’s Day), sparking a fire and an explosion. Nine pedestrians were struck and injured in the fiery crash, which occurred as they were leaving the New Year’s Eve concert by moe.; two passengers in the ride-share vehicle were killed, and one of the pedestrians suffered “life-altering” injuries.
At least a dozen gas cans were found in and around Avery’s SUV, prompting an FBI joint terrorism task force to investigate. As of Tuesday morning, no evidence of connections to ideologies or terrorist groups have been found, police said.
In a statement, moe. said the incident left the band “in profound shock and sadness.”
“On a night that was meant for celebration and togetherness, we are faced instead with a tragedy that defies understanding. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives, and our thoughts are with those who were injured,” the group wrote in a social media post.
moe. thanked first responders and venue stuff for their “swift and courageous” actions to secure everyone’s safety, and expressed gratitude to their fans, known as the Famoe.ly, for their support and resilience.
“In these moments of confusion and grief, we stand together in solidarity. While the full details of the incident are still unfolding, our focus remains on the well-being of those affected and on the spirit of unity that has always been the hallmark of our community,” the statement continued. “We believe in the power of music to heal and unite, and it is in this spirit that we will continue to move forward. We are reminded of how precious each moment is and the importance of supporting one another through all times, good and bad….
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