Michael Avery Named as Perpetrator in Deliberate New Year's Eve Crash Claiming 2 Lives, Injuring 9 in Upstate N.Y.

In upstate New York, a 35-year-old man, Michael Avery, drove a rented SUV filled with gas canisters into a crowd leaving a New Year’s concert in Rochester, causing tragedy.

Rochester Police Chief David Smith identified the driver, stating Avery passed away that Monday night. This devastating crash resulted in two fatalities and nine injuries, as reported by CNN.

Initially deemed domestic terrorism, authorities later confirmed no signs of political or social biases in the incident, shared by Smith in a press conference covered by CBS News, CNN, and ABC News. Around 12 gas canisters were found in and around the vehicle.

Smith indicated potential undiagnosed mental health issues, based on conversations with Avery's family. Investigations revealed no evidence of a broader conspiracy or involvement of others.

The motive behind Avery's actions remains unknown, emphasizing an ongoing investigation and the possibility of evolving details.

The tragedy unfolded after midnight as concert attendees exited the Kodak Center theater complex. Avery’s rented Ford Expedition collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander rideshare vehicle, intentionally targeting pedestrians in a crosswalk, according to Smith.

The collision caused the tragic demise of the Outlander's passengers and injuries to nine pedestrians, including one critically injured.

Earlier that week, Avery traveled from Syracuse to Rochester, lodging at Woodspring Suites. On Friday, he rented the Expedition from Rochester Airport and purchased gas canisters before the incident.

Despite searching Avery's possessions and hotel room, no note or conclusive evidence explaining his actions was found, lamented Smith.

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is aiding the investigation but has found no connections to terrorism or specific ideologies, as shared by CBS News.

Jeremy Bell, the FBI agent overseeing the case, urged patience as investigators seek more information, urging anyone with details to contact the RPD’s Major Crimes Unit

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