Times Square was evacuated Monday morning after police received reports of a suspicious package outside an NYPD facility, sparking a major security response that shut down several blocks of the iconic tourist destination.
The New York Police Department’s bomb squad rushed to the scene at West 43rd Street and 7th Avenue following a 911 call at approximately 10:32 a.m. local time, according to an NYPD spokesperson who spoke to multiple news outlets.
Authorities established a yellow tape perimeter and froze pedestrian zones as a precautionary measure, creating an eerie scene in what is normally one of Manhattan’s busiest areas. The package was reportedly found at the front door of an NYPD facility in Times Square.
Major Disruption to Midtown Manhattan
The evacuation affected a two-block section of Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 44th Streets, causing significant disruption to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Office workers in buildings at the centre of the closed section were instructed to move away from windows as a safety precaution.
Expect emergency vehicles and delays in the surrounding area,” the NYPD warned in a statement posted on social media at approximately 11:30 a.m., urging people to avoid the area entirely during the active investigation.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the Emergency Service Unit and bomb squad personnel conducting thorough sweeps of the area. A helicopter was heard circling overhead as officers worked to secure the scene.
Workers Evacuated from Buildings
Hundreds of office workers found themselves gathered in the lobby of Three Times Square, at the corner of 43rd Street, after being told to evacuate their offices and stay away from windows. The dramatic evacuation left Times Square eerily quiet, a stark contrast to its usual bustling atmosphere.
A bomb squad and emergency services raced to the scene as terrified tourists evacuated the area,” one witness told reporters, describing the swift response by authorities.
The incident caused major gridlock in midtown Manhattan, with emergency vehicles blocking key intersections and public transport being rerouted around the affected area.
Package Deemed Non-Hazardous
By 11:53 a.m., approximately 90 minutes after the initial report, officials confirmed that the suspicious item had been deemed non-hazardous. The NYPD’s bomb squad completed their assessment and gave the all-clear signal.
Streets were subsequently reopened to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, though residual delays continued as the area returned to normal operations. The investigation was officially closed shortly after noon.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, according to the NYPD spokesperson. Authorities have not released details about the nature of the package or who may have left it at the location.
Times Square’s Vulnerability
The evacuation highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Times Square, which regularly sees between 200,000 and 250,000 pedestrians daily. According to official data, the crossroads of the world recorded roughly 220,000 daily visitors throughout 2024.
On the busiest days, pedestrian counts can reach as high as 330,000, making it one of the most densely populated public spaces in America. This concentration of people makes Times Square both a symbol of New York City’s vibrancy and a potential security concern.
The incident marks the latest in a series of security alerts that have periodically disrupted the famous tourist destination. Previous evacuations have occurred following reports of suspicious packages, though most have proved to be false alarms.
Pattern of Heightened Vigilance
Security experts note that Times Square has remained under heightened surveillance since various attempted attacks over the years. The NYPD maintains a significant presence in the area, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers patrolling regularly.
This is something that happens fairly regularly,” former Police Commissioner Ray Kelly previously stated about suspicious package reports. “When you have a major event, the reports of suspicious packages will go up.”
The NYPD receives approximately 100 reports of suspicious packages daily across the city, though the number can spike during periods of heightened alert or following major events.
Swift Emergency Response
Monday’s incident demonstrated the speed and efficiency of New York’s emergency response protocols. Within minutes of the initial 911 call, multiple units had responded, establishing a secure perimeter and beginning systematic investigations.
The bomb squad’s presence, whilst alarming to some tourists and workers, represents standard procedure for such incidents. Officers are trained to treat all suspicious packages as potential threats until proven otherwise.
Local businesses reported minimal long-term disruption, with most able to resume normal operations shortly after the all-clear was given. However, the temporary closure likely cost retailers and restaurants significant revenue during the busy morning period.
Ongoing Security Concerns
The evacuation serves as a reminder of the constant security challenges facing major urban centres. Times Square, as one of the world’s most recognisable locations, requires continuous vigilance from law enforcement agencies.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity or packages to police immediately. The “See Something, Say Something” campaign remains a crucial component of New York City’s security strategy.
As normalcy returned to Times Square by early afternoon, tourists and workers alike were reminded of the delicate balance between maintaining an open, welcoming public space and ensuring adequate security measures in an age of persistent threats.
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Image Credit (Shortened):
Times Square, New York City (3 Oct 2023) – by Jakubhal, licensed under CC BY‑SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
