Times Square Bombing Update

Investigators are now claiming that letters mailed to members of the New York Congressional delegation are not related to the bombing of the US Armed Forces recruitment center in Times Square. They're continuing to focus on the similarities between the Times Square bombing and the bombing of two consulates in New York City in 2005 and 2007.

But like similar attacks in 2005 and last year on the British and Mexican consulates, the explosion frayed nerves of New Yorkers and tourists alike. It also heightened speculation that all three incidents were the work of a lone bomber who, perhaps emboldened by his past attacks, sought out the bright lights of Times Square.

"Times Square is `the crossroads of the world,' and we're concerned about it," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said at a news conference.

The blast left a gaping hole in the recruiting station's front window and shattered a glass door, twisting and blackening the building's metal frame. Guests at the nearby Marriott Marquis said they heard a bang and felt the building shake.

Police released a private security video showing a figure riding along a traffic island in the glow of Times Square's neon signs at about 3:38 a.m and getting off the bike just outside the recruitment center. About two minutes later, the cyclist rides away. Then the explosion occurs.

The images were too murky for police to get a clear description of the cyclist. But investigators were studying other security videos, including one showing a man exiting a subway station about 10 blocks away, carrying a bicycle, police said. The FBI was analyzing forensic evidence collected at the scene, Kelly said.

The New York Times notes that yesterday marked the 38th anniversary of three members of Weather Underground terrorist group blowing themselves up in a premature detonation but I don't think that the two incidents are connected.