The driver of an SUV stashed with gas canisters crashed into pedestrians and another vehicle in a non-terrorism-motivated act on New Year’s Day, killing two people and injuring many more after a concert in Rochester, New York. Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith revealed that the suspect, Michael Avery, 35, may have been suffering from undiagnosed mental health issues, emphasizing that there was no evidence of political or social biases behind the crash. Smith appealed to the public for information on Avery’s motive, which remains unclear.
Avery drove the Ford Expedition into oncoming traffic and appeared to intentionally aim at pedestrians, resulting in a fiery collision with the Outlander and a large blaze that took the fire department over an hour to extinguish. Authorities located gasoline canisters in and around the Expedition, prompting an arson investigation and assistance from the FBI. Police raised the number of injured pedestrians to nine, with one person experiencing life-altering injuries, while the rest were expected to make full recoveries.
Investigators also revealed that Avery stayed in Rochester from December 27, renting a Ford Expedition from the airport two days later and purchasing gasoline and gas containers at several locations. Search warrants have been carried out in Avery’s hotel room, where no suicide note was found, while another warrant is pending for his personal vehicle. As the investigation continues, witnesses and individuals with relevant information have been urged to come forward to assist the authorities. Lastly, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, which has left singer “moe” and Mayor Malik Evans expressing their shock and condolences.
