Developing: Times Square Armed Forces Center Bombed

Waking up this morning, this was the first story to cross the wires. A bomb went off in front of the US Armed Forces recruiting center at Times Square in Manhattan. It blew out the windows and door of the center, but no injuries were reported.

This morning's incident is similar to two earlier incidents - one in October 2007 and one in May 2005 where an explosive device went off in the middle of the night:

The 3:45 a.m. blast is similar to two other incidents in New York, one in October and one in May 2005.

Both times an explosive device was detonated around 3 a.m.

In the October incident, a bomb was detonated near the Mexican consulate, shattering windows. At that time the authorities said the explosive device was similar to the ones used in a May 2005 blast at the British consulate.

In both cases, authorities were looking for a person spotted riding a bicycle in the area.

Police stopped several bicyclists for questioning Thursday morning near Times Square, but no one was detained, WABC-TV reported.

The recruiting office, whose neon lights help it blend in with the bright atmosphere of Times Square, sits on a triangular traffic island across the street from the Hard Rock Cafe.

Two witnesses, a man and a woman, told a local TV station they heard a "huge bang" from their hotel rooms, but there were no police or fire reports of serious damage or injuries.

Mayor Mike Bloomberg will be holding a presser this morning.

The recruitment center is normally staffed by two noncommissioned officers, but was empty at the time of the explosion.

The center is normally staffed by two noncommissioned officers but was empty at the time of the explosion, said Capt. Charlie Jaquillard, the commander of army recruiting operations in Manhattan.

"If it is something that is directed toward American troops, then it's something that's taken very seriously and is pretty unfortunate," he said.

Members of the police department's bomb squad and fire officials gathered outside the recruiting station, which has occasionally been the site of anti-war demonstrations, ranging from silent vigils to loud rallies.

Police cars and yellow tape initially blocked drivers from entering one of the world's busiest crossroads, though some traffic was allowed through around the start of rush hour.

Guests at the Marriott Marquis on 46th Street said they heard a "big bang" and could feel the building shake. A large plume of smoke was also visible after the explosion, they said.

Ed Morissey notes that the anti-war types have been escalating their tactics since their protests have failed to generate much in the way of support or sympathy to the point of stopping the war. That's certainly a possibility given the target, but for now no motives or suspects are in custody.

UPDATE:
Leave it to the fine folks at Daily Kos to tell it to you straight - the bombing was a right wing plot. These people are clearly delusional and have no problem projecting their own issues on to others. And these are also the same people that Obama and Hillary are courting for support in the primaries and heading into the convention.

UPDATE:
Others blogging the situation: Michelle Malkin, Jammie, and Dave in Texas at Ace.

UPDATE:
The NY Sun reports that the explosive was black powder that was packed in an ammunition box.

The homemade bomb was left outside a military recruitment office on Broadway between West 43rd Street and West 44th Street and exploded at 3:43 a.m., police said. Windows were shattered in the office, but no one was hurt.

Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, speaking at a news conference at the scene this morning, said the explosion had been caused by black powder that had been packed inside an ammunition box.

The box, which Mr. Kelly said is one that would be available at most Army-Navy stores, was slightly larger than a phone book. Though "not particularly sophisticated," Mr. Kelly said, "this type of device could certainly cause injury and even death."

Mr. Kelly said a witness had seen a person riding by on a bicycle "in suspicious manner" shortly before the incident. The person was wearing a hood, dark colored clothing, and a backpack, and had ridden onto the traffic island where the military station stands, Mr. Kelly said. A small police station is also located on the traffic island.

UPDATE:
Hot Air has posted a copy of surveillance video, and it shows someone on a bicycle approaching the recruitment station and the bomb detonating moments later.

UPDATE:
Members of the New York Congressional Delegation received letters in advance of the bombing, including a photo of a man standing in front of the recruiting center in Times Square, along with an anti-war manifesto.