Update 4:40 p.m.:
According to investigators, Ullah said he selected the subway station due to its Christmas-themed posters, hoping to mimic attacks on European Christmas markets. His motivation regarding the attack itself, however, is still unclear. Law enforcement officials initially indicated his attack was intended as a protest against Israel. Now, they’ve suggested he was retaliating against U.S. airstrikes on ISIS.
Update 2:00 p.m.:
New York City subway bombing suspect Akayed Ullah told law enforcement officials that he carried out the attack in response to recent Israeli actions in Gaza.
Terrorist behind today's #NewYorkExplosion named as Akayed Ullah, 27. He reportedly told Police that he did it to support the Palestinian cause. Palestinian terrorists have, for many years, pioneered terror attacks like this. Thankfully, more people were not injured or killed. pic.twitter.com/7hj5nfCxPh
— Michael Dickson (@michaeldickson) December 11, 2017
Update 11:51 a.m.:
President Donald Trump has yet to respond to the attack in New York City, despite criticizing the New York Times for a piece alleging he watches 4-8 hours of television every day.
11:30 a.m.:
An explosion rocked the passageway between the Times Square and Port Authority subway stations in New York City at 7:20 a.m. this morning, injuring four. In a press conference, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the explosion was an attempted terrorist attack, and the New York police have a suspect, Akayed Ullah, in custody.
According to the New York Times, a senior city official said Ullah was wearing an explosive device, which police had to strip him to remove. Police commissioner James O’Neill said Ullah was wearing an “improvised low-tech explosive device attached to his body.” Police say the device went off prematurely, which may have prevented greater injury. According to fire commissioner Daniel Nigro, Ullah is being treated for lacerations and burns at Bellevue Hospital.
This story is developing and will be updated.