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New Jersey authorities arrested 28-year-old Ahmad Rahami Monday as the chief suspect in the Saturday bombing in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan—after a brief shootout in which both he and a police officer were shot.
Neither Rahami's nor the police officer’s injuries were thought to be life-threatening, but the bombing suspect was charged for murder and illegal arms possession related to the shootout only.
Shortly before noon, a local New York City area journalist reported a gunman firing shots at cars in Linden, New Jersey, "not far" from a New Jersey train station where a series of small explosions were reported. Rahami allegedly opened fire on police responding to the scene.
“Lotta’ lotta’ gunfire,” Derek Pelligra, manager of Linden Auto Body, told the New York Times.
Law-enforcement authorities first identified Rahami as the culprit behind the attacks and believe he is part of a domestic terrorist network. "Rahami is wanted for questioning in connection with an explosion that occurred on September 17, 2016, at approximately 8:30 pm in the vicinity of 135 West 23rd Street, New York, New York."
Focusing just on the shootout, the Union County Prosecutor's Office charged Rahami with five counts of attempted murder in the first degree and two second-degree weapons charges, spokesman Mark Spivey said.
More charges were likely in federal court but Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York, said authorities would take their time.
Five other people were also arrested Sunday night in possible connection with the Chelsea explosion during a routine traffic stop check that uncovered a cache of guns inside the car.
Authorities are also investigating whether there is any connection between the Chelsea bombing and a pipe bomb explosion in the neighboring state of New Jersey just hours prior to the Chelsea attack, as a multitude of runners were due to take part in a charity 5km benefit race for U.S. Marines and sailors in the area of Seaside Park.
No injuries were reported in the blast, and there was no damage to surrounding buildings.
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In addition, prior to the FBI releasing Rahami’s details, law enforcement were called to investigate five suspicious devices found near a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the last known address of Rahami. One device was accidentally detonated by authorities, but no one was injured.
As police released more photos of Rahami Monday morning, they confirmed that he is wanted in connection with both the the Seaside Park explosion in New Jersey, as well as the Chelsea explosion.
An emergency alert detailing the hunt for Rahami was also sent out to cell phones across New York Monday. It read: “WANTED: Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28-yr-old male. See media for pic. Call 9-1-1 if seen.”
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