Live updates on this developing situation below:

Update 1:51pm ET

Domestic incident in Rahami’s past, FBI says:

"Nothing to indicate that currently he [#Rahami] was on our radar" per FBI's Sweeney "Had a report of a domestic incident some time ago" — Jeff Seldin (@jseldin) September 19, 2016

"The allegations were recanted," adds FBI's Sweeney on domestic incident involving #ChelseaExplosion suspect Ahmad #Rahami — Jeff Seldin (@jseldin) September 19, 2016

Update 1:28pm ET

LIVE: NYPD says two police officers injured in Linden, NJ in Rahami capture https://t.co/pjxqLK3Sf1 — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) September 19, 2016

NYPD Commissioner: Now that NYC bombing suspect is in custody, investigation can focus on motive, if he acted alone. https://t.co/BfHoH9lKpm — ABC News (@ABC) September 19, 2016

Update 12:48pm ET

New details on the NJ shootout from the Boston Globe:

Linden Mayor Derek Armstead said that the owner of a bar reported someone asleep in the doorway of his business. A police officer went to investigate and recognized the man as Rahami, police and the mayor said. Rahami pulled a gun and shot the officer — who was wearing a bulletproof vest — in the torso, and more officers joined in a running gun battle down the street and brought Rahami down, police Capt. James Sarnicki said.

Update 12:04pm ET

Video shows bombing suspect Ahmad Rahami in custody in Linden, New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/NrVJCPNAkC — Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) September 19, 2016

Update 11:43am ET

Sources: federal prosecutors already drafted charges against Ahmad Rahami and they could be announced as early as today, per @MLevineReports — Michael Del Moro (@MikeDelMoro) September 19, 2016

Update 11:37am ET

#BreakingNews Ahmad Khan Rahami alive but injured, loaded into ambulance in Linden, NJ via @ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/I5Ri0UAx35 — Stephanie Berzinski (@SBerzinski) September 19, 2016

Update 11:33am ET

Via Frances Martel: Local TV station News 12 says Rahami was shooting at random people from his car, and when police responded to the scene, they recognized him as the bombing suspect.

Update 11:30am ET

.@POTUS: So far "no connection" seen between Minnesota mall attack and NYC, N.J. bombings https://t.co/UuOuSuhMQr pic.twitter.com/nFwARtpEC6 — CBS News (@CBSNews) September 19, 2016

Update 11:28am ET

Obama lectures journalists in statement delivered live:

Obama asks the press to stop “getting ahead of the investigation” of terrorism — Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 19, 2016

“It does not help if false reports or incomplete information gets out there” says Obama to the press — Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 19, 2016

Press reports that suspect is in custody – Obama not even mentioning suspect but lectures press for getting ahead of story! — Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 19, 2016

Update 11:24am ET

Photo of Rahami detained at scene of shootout:

Update 11:22am ET

Yelp reviews for the family’s restaurant taking a beating from trolls: “Best pressure cooker cooked chicken on the east coast!”

Update 11:19am ET

BREAKING NEWS: Terror Suspect Ahmad Rahami Is In Custody After Shooting Officer In Linden NJ — Bernard B. Kerik (@BernardKerik) September 19, 2016

Update 11:16am ET

NBC New York reporting Rahami was taken into custody by police in Linden, NJhttps://t.co/SbG7eQ1svJ — erica orden (@eorden) September 19, 2016

Update 11:04am ET

Whoa.

The day Ahmad Khan Rahami allegedly planted two bombs in Chelsea — one of which detonated on West 23rd Street — two thieves accidentally helped to disable his second pressure cooker bomb left inside a rolling suitcase on West 27th Street, sources said. The young men, who sources described as being well-dressed, opened the bag and took the bomb out, sources said, before placing the explosive into a garbage bag and walking away with the rolling suitcase. In doing so, investigators believe they inadvertently disabled the explosive, sources said. That allowed investigators to examine the cellphone attached to the bomb intact and discover that it was connected to the family of Rahami.

This report also claims police “found a website where Rahami allegedly posted jihadist missives” on the phone left with the bomb.

Update 11:02am ET

“He gave me free chicken.”

Update 11:00am ET

@ABC Ahmad Rahami is believed to be driving 2003 blue Honda Civic with NJ license plate D63EYB — Linzie Janis (@LinzieJanis) September 19, 2016

Update 10:51am ET

PDF of Rahami’s 2011 lawsuit.

Family of man suspected in NJ/NY bombings sued City of Elizabeth, N.J., police, neighbors in 2011. Doc: https://t.co/7aUVk4mDlj — Mike Hayes (@michaelhayes) September 19, 2016

Update 10:47am ET

That photographer finding the second bomb in NYC directly led to identification of Rahami as the suspect:

Fingerprint found on unexploded device was key piece of evidence leading to Ahmad Rahami, source tells @NBCNightlyNews – @PeteWilliamsNBC — Micah Grimes (@MicahGrimes) September 19, 2016

Update 10:42am ET

He’s a victim. Via Daily Mail:

The prime suspect in the New York and New Jersey bombings sued his local police force and claimed they were persecuting him for being a Muslim. … Ahmad, 28, his father Mohammad Sr, 53, and his brother Mohammad, brought the lawsuit together and said that local residents also racially abused them and said: ‘Muslims don’t belong here’. The lawsuit was filed in 2011 and reveals that Ahmad has a long history of grievances with city officials, their local police force and people who lived close to them.

Update 10:37am ET

West Point Military Academy | New York State lockdown lifted #UNFNEWS #BreakingNews — Kyle Mazza (@KyleMazzaWUNF) September 19, 2016

Update 10:32am ET

Odd biographical detail via NYTimes:

Ahmad Khan Rahami, the man wanted in the bombing, is the son of a man named Muhammad Rahami who runs a fast-food restaurant, First American Fried Chicken, in the ground floor of their home on Elmora Avenue, neighbors said. The restaurant, which has employed Ahmad and some of his brothers, was such a persistent neighborhood nuisance that the city forced it to close early, said Mayor J. Christian Bollwage of Elizabeth. When it was opened several years ago, it stayed open all night, Mr. Bollwage said. Neighbors, including Dean McDermott, who lives on the corner of Linden and Elmora Avenues and works as a news videographer, said the restaurant drew rowdy crowds past midnight.

Update 10:31am ET

Several reports of West Point Academy on lockdown — suspect’s car possibly spotted there.

BREAKING: West Point Military Academy reportedly on lockdown.https://t.co/uIRqLS2YiD pic.twitter.com/RiM09O3F5L — KGUN9 On Your Side (@kgun9) September 19, 2016

Update 10:28am ET

U.S. government source: Ahmad Khan Rahami was not on any federal terror watch lists: https://t.co/r0eKOSwECR — The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) September 19, 2016

UPDATE: NYC explosions suspect Rahami was not listed on U.S. counterterrorism databases: two officials. https://t.co/uVnqCH4HjG — Reuters U.S. News (@ReutersUS) September 19, 2016

Update 10:08am ET

Authorities officially connect the NJ bombing to Rahami.

FBI says Ahmad Khan Rahami also wanted for questioning in connection with Saturday blast in Seaside Park, New Jersey https://t.co/XXTwNJTtlB — Karin Caifa (@karincaifaCNN) September 19, 2016

Update 10:06am ET

Daily Mail reports that law enforcement fears a “terror cell” is operating in NY-NJ.

Authorities fear a ‘terror cell’ may be operating in New York and New Jersey https://t.co/fAlkIWbCi7 — Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 19, 2016

Update 9:45am ET

Surveillance vid purportedly shows Rahami near the time of attack:

Multiple images released of Ahmad Khan Rahami, man wanted in connection to NY, NJ explosions https://t.co/6Biv8H8Z4C pic.twitter.com/9kDFH6iQax — PIX11 News (@PIX11News) September 19, 2016

Update 9:21am ET

Footage from NJ law enforcement action:

Video shows explosive device detonating while robot attempted to disarm it in Elizabeth, NJ. https://t.co/nAdExpfV5V pic.twitter.com/kyC9eYonuM — ABC News (@ABC) September 19, 2016

Update 9:19am ET

Gov. Cuomo changes course from yesterday.

NY governor says Manhattan bombing could be ‘terrorism with a foreign connection’ https://t.co/vQ9ojjA2gf — Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 19, 2016

Update 9:16am ET

Full FBI alert on Rahami says he was born in Afghanistan.

Rahami is a 28-year-old United States citizen of Afghan descent born on January 23, 1988, in Afghanistan. His last known address was in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He is about 5’ 6” tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. Rahami has brown hair, brown eyes, and brown facial hair.

Update 9:12am ET

BREAKING: The bomb that did not detonate on 27th St. in Manhattan had a cell phone inside. The phone was linked to Rahami in NJ, sources say — Fox5NY (@fox5ny) September 19, 2016

Update 8:18am ET

WATCH: "It's definitely leaning in that direction." – NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio on if this was an act of terrorism. https://t.co/cFXTf0dKXs — Good Morning America (@GMA) September 19, 2016

Update 7:35am ET

Wanted: Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28 year old male, is being sought in connection with the Chelsea bombing. #nyc pic.twitter.com/hSxhMqO7Qh — J. Peter Donald (@JPeterDonald) September 19, 2016

Update 7:12am ET

The bombs in Chelsea were filled with shrapnel and made with pressure cookers, flip phones and Christmas lights https://t.co/vjxMfD6khM — The New York Times (@nytimes) September 19, 2016

Update 7:10am ET

NBC News: Device Explodes in New Jersey, 5 People Questioned in New York Bombing Investigation

Several law enforcement officials told NBC News that they are concerned that an active terrorism cell with multiple players could be at work in the New York-New Jersey area.

Update 7:00am ET

HAPPENING NOW: Authorities are conducting a raid on an Elizabeth, NJ apartment building — possibly connected to device discoveries — Fox News (@FoxNews) September 19, 2016

#Breaking: Video shows law enforcement officers on scene of raid in Elizabeth, New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/D3GtoSwAGv — CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) September 19, 2016

Minnesota mall stabbing could be realization of terror fears

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the stabbings of nine people at a Minnesota mall as a potential act of terrorism – a finding that would realize long-held fears of an attack in the immigrant-rich state that has struggled to stop the recruiting of its young men by groups including the Islamic State.

***

Authorities probe ties between blasts, devices in 2 states

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities questioned several people early Monday after a car stop in New York City as they worked to determine whether there was a connection between several explosive devices found in two states in two days. An explosion rocked a bustling Manhattan neighborhood Saturday night, and an unexploded pressure cooker device was found blocks away; there was a pipe bomb blast earlier Saturday in a New Jersey shore town; and five explosive devices were found near a New Jersey train station late Sunday.

Update 2:46am ET

#BREAKING video shows moment bomb robot accidentally detonated device found @ Elizabeth NJ train station. @PIX11News pic.twitter.com/xfO97F2ebm — Anthony DiLorenzo (@ADiLorenzoTV) September 19, 2016

Explosive device detonates near Elizabeth train station (VIDEO) – https://t.co/1A1yeXEjpF — Jessica Remo (@JessicaRemoNJ) September 19, 2016

Update 2:10am ET

Mayor of Elizabeth, NJ tells me up to 5 devices in backpack found in trashcan. One was accidentally detonated in controlled setting by robot — Rachel Crane (@RachCrane) September 19, 2016

Update 2:00am ET

The Daily Mail is reporting:

Five terror suspects are arrested as bomb explodes at New Jersey train station: FBI stops men in SUV ‘packed with weapons’ on New York bridge as cops blow up IED that was planted hours earlier.

Update 1:51 ET

NBC News: Law enforcement officials say that they are concerned that there MAY be an active terror cell in the NY/NJ area w/ @jonathan4ny — Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) September 19, 2016

Conflicting reports on whether the explosion heard on early Monday morning in New Jersey was a controlled explosion or not:

Blast in Elizabeth, N.J. was controlled detonation of one of 'multiple devices' found https://t.co/5je2WHlBoO pic.twitter.com/vih24sLnkE — NBC News (@NBCNews) September 19, 2016

Update 1:44am ET

Elizabeth, NJ mayor says 5 devices were left in a single backpack. Had "bomb" went of "it would have certainly killed/injured many". — Miguel Almaguer (@Miguelnbc) September 19, 2016

Update 1:33am ET

Mayor of Elizabeth, NJ now says this was NOT a controlled explosion. Says this "was an explosive device" and "could have hurt a lot of ppl" — Miguel Almaguer (@Miguelnbc) September 19, 2016

Update 1:30am ET

Mayors spokesman confirms controlled explosion in Elizabeth,NJ. Says there may be more "booms" as "multiple" devices are in single backpack. — Miguel Almaguer (@Miguelnbc) September 19, 2016

Update 1:20am ET

After detonation in Elizabeth, NJ …smell of gun powder in air. Police have not confirmed if this was controlled explosion. Bomb squad here — Miguel Almaguer (@Miguelnbc) September 19, 2016

From NBC News:

ELIZABETH, N.J. — A large explosion was heard in New Jersey early Monday near the scene where a suspicious package that appeared to contain pipe bombs was discovered earlier near the Elizabeth transit station.

No damage was immediately visible. There was no immediate word from authorities on whether the explosion might have been a controlled detonation of the device found a few hours earlier, but no warning of such a blast was given beforehand.

Thunderous explosion that seemed to startle many police + sent others running heard in Elizabeth, NJ train station pic.twitter.com/o0ilhsY7BW — Miguel Almaguer (@Miguelnbc) September 19, 2016

Update 1:00am ET

Three pipe bombs, two other devices were found in N.J. train station before FBI arrestshttps://t.co/RvRmSnGbBX pic.twitter.com/obU2SmfIHL — New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 19, 2016

Update 12:50am ET

More on Chelsea bombing:

We did a traffic stop of a vehicle of interest in the investigation. No one has been charged with any crime. The investigation is continuing — FBI New York (@NewYorkFBI) September 19, 2016

Update 12:28am ET

From CBS New York:

ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A suspicious device was found on the Northeast Corridor train tracks in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Sunday night.

The suspicious item was found in the area of North Broad and Westfield Avenue.

Mayor Chris Bollwage said the Union County Bomb Squad determined it could be a bomb. The FBI is also on scene.

Update 12:34am ET

NEW JERSEY: Elizabeth Mayor says a bag with wires and pipes was found in a trash can near NJT Station, FBI on scene. https://t.co/q60LGGS52o — KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) September 19, 2016

Update 12:30am ET

BREAKING: FBI has detained 5 men on the Verrazano Bridge in connection with the Chelsea bombing, via a state senator https://t.co/U40Oq3IA9K — Liam Stack (@liamstack) September 19, 2016

Update September 18 12:25am ET

From the Associated Press:

NEW YORK (AP) — Agents with the FBI pulled over a car on a highway in Brooklyn on Sunday night and were questioning the vehicle’s occupants in connection with the investigation into the New York City bombing that injured 29 people, authorities said.

Agents stopped “a vehicle of interest in the investigation” at 8:45 p.m. Sunday, according to FBI spokeswoman Kelly Langmesser

She wouldn’t provide further details, but a government official and a law enforcement official who were briefed on the investigation said five people in the car were being questioned at an FBI building in lower Manhattan.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the ongoing investigation.

No one has been charged with any crime and the investigation is continuing, Langmesser said.

Update 8:07pm ET

Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson says “gratefulthat nobody got hurt” in bombings. (29 were injured in NYC alone.)

Gary Johnson says "nobody got hurt" in New York and Minnesota attacks that injured dozens https://t.co/xtXh2SnL69 pic.twitter.com/yprswwmSlW — New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 18, 2016

Update 5:30pm ET: Letter with Arabic writing found with second device.

"letter, a portion of which is in Arabic, was found inside a plastic bag that held the 2nd bomb, sources said" https://t.co/uQXq47mlnU — Azi (@Azi) September 18, 2016

Update 4:50pm ET:

Surveillance video shows the moment of the explosion:

Update 3:59pm ET:

Photographer Jane Schreibman tells the Daily Mail how she almost overlooked the second bomb apparently intended to detonate in New York City:

‘I walked 10 or 15 feet on the block and I saw a strange contraption – a pot with wires coming out of it,’ Schreibman told the DailyMail.com. ‘My first thought was it was a kids’ science experiment that they were throwing out.’ Schreibman continued walking but the road was closed, forcing her to turn back. She thought she should take another look. The pot, she said, had wires coming out of it and had been left near a mailbox. It had duct tape around the lid, to hold the lid down and to keep the wires in place.

Update 3:58pm ET:

News Alert: Law enforcement source says NY and NJ explosive devices from "same person." pic.twitter.com/avIPnRVDxY — Fox News (@FoxNews) September 18, 2016

Update 3:50pm ET:

NEW: @HillaryClinton releases statement condemning " apparent terrorist attacks" in MN, NJ and NY: pic.twitter.com/eje5iVsPfT — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) September 18, 2016

Update 1:46pm ET:

From the New York Post:

A 911 caller warned of further explosions right after the blast that rocked Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood and injured 29 people, The Post has learned. “I’m looking at the explosion down the block. There will be more,” the unidentified male said, claiming to be standing at 23rd Street and Seventh Avenue in the aftermath of the terrifying incident, according to law-enforcement sources Sunday.

Update 12:35pm ET:

Lede buried by AP writeup:

Cuomo undercuts BDB, says Chelsea blast "obviously" terrorism https://t.co/gwadH6BWUA — Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) September 18, 2016

Update 12:29pm ET:

From the Associated Press — Gov. Andrew Cuomo insists there is no tie to international terrorist organizations.

NEW YORK (AP) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday a blast that injured 29 people in Manhattan was caused by some kind of bomb, but the attack didn’t appear to be linked to international terrorism. Cuomo, speaking near the scene of the Saturday night blast, told reporters a second device found blocks away from the first explosion appeared “similar in design” to the first, though investigators are still testing its remnants after it was removed by a bomb squad robot and blown up at a police facility in the Bronx. The bombing rocked the city’s Chelsea neighborhood, a mostly residential part of Manhattan’s west side known for its art galleries and large gay population. Witnesses described hearing a deafening blast, and surveillance video footage captured images of nearby windows being blown out by the explosion as people sprinted away from the scene. “We will find whoever planted these explosives and they will be punished,” said Cuomo, a Democrat. He said all 29 people who were injured have been treated and released from a hospital.

Update 12:21pm ET:

De Blasio: "We know there a bombing" in NY, but "we have a lot more work to do" to determine motives behind it. https://t.co/yHCvDbqik7 — ABC News (@ABC) September 18, 2016

There are two active crime scenes: West 23 Street and West 27 Street. The device that exploded on W23St was done intentionally. — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 18, 2016

.@BilldeBlasio: "We're going to be very careful and patient to get to the full truth here." pic.twitter.com/6tL8G6qALj — Fox News (@FoxNews) September 18, 2016

NYC Mayor @BilldeBlasio: "You will see a very substantial NYPD presence this week — bigger than ever" https://t.co/AGquevvbDI — CNN (@CNN) September 18, 2016

Update 12:00pm ET:

See photos from the aftermath of the Chelsea explosion https://t.co/DIrcaRcoe9 — TIME (@TIME) September 18, 2016

The 29 people injured in the blast in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood have been treated and released from the hospital https://t.co/qsH5vAOnFW — The New York Times (@nytimes) September 18, 2016

Update 2:05am ET:

A look at the pressure cooker recovered on 27th St. four blocks from the #Chelsea explosion https://t.co/nf10q2dRw9 pic.twitter.com/m82QDVsLjN — New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 18, 2016

Update 12:35am ET:

JUST IN: Pressure cooker possibly with cell phone attached found four blocks from #Chelsea explosion, sources say https://t.co/3plQRAHh1c — New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 18, 2016

Update 11:50pm ET:

HRC refers to “bombings in New York,” then is asked if Trump jumped the gun when he immediately called it a “bomb” pic.twitter.com/MBaMvRMJUr — Brett LoGiurato (@BrettLoGiurato) September 18, 2016

Update 11:42pm ET:

The robot is now moving across 27th St now back toward the police unit on 7th Av #Chelsea #ChelseaExplosion pic.twitter.com/nc1Z9Uw07W — KarlaZabs (@karlazabs) September 18, 2016

Update 11:40pm ET:

Authorities say no evidence #Chelsea blast is related to earlier pipe bomb in N.J., rule out gas as possible cause https://t.co/KDc24EVJxw — New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 18, 2016

Update 11:35pm ET:

Hillary Clinton, on her campaign plane, responds to explosion in NYC pic.twitter.com/4tfyUE2vNc — Liz Kreutz (@ABCLiz) September 18, 2016

Update 11:32pm ET:

Update 11:28pm ET:

NEW: NYPD Commissioner: At least 29 people injured in NYC explosion; 1 injury may be serious https://t.co/jNYOEhLh1E https://t.co/YViaJIbXrK — ABC News (@ABC) September 18, 2016

Update 11:22pm ET:

Mayor de Blasio: There's no evidence that terrorism was involved in the Chelsea explosion https://t.co/8zIWfLn8yS pic.twitter.com/cbixeJX0jp — NYT Metro (@NYTMetro) September 18, 2016

***

Update 11:08pm ET:

JUST IN: NYPD investigating possible “secondary” suspicious device on 27th St between 6th and 7th Avenues. pic.twitter.com/kHzJxquwTd — ABC News (@ABC) September 18, 2016

***

Witnesses described hearing a massive noise: “100x louder than thunder” https://t.co/axCIi2S1fE #NYCexplosion — New York Post (@nypost) September 18, 2016

NEW YORK (AP) — An explosion rocked a crowded Manhattan neighborhood and injured 29 people, and a suspicious device discovered blocks away was safely removed early Sunday. Mayor Bill de Blasio ruled out any terror connections but called the blast an “intentional act.”

“Tonight, New York City experienced a very bad incident,” de Blasio said at a news conference near the scene in Chelsea. “We have no credible and specific threat at this moment.”

De Blasio tried to calm any fears among nervous New Yorkers, saying the explosion had no terrorist connection and wasn’t related to a pipe bomb explosion earlier Saturday in New Jersey that forced the cancellation of a charity run.

“Now, I want to be clear: Whatever the cause, whatever the intention here, New Yorkers will not be intimidated,” the mayor said. “We are not going to let anyone change who we are or how we go about our lives.”

It was unclear who was behind the blast and what motivated it.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that a second device that officers investigated four blocks from the scene appeared to be a pressure cooker attached to wiring and a cellphone. The official, who was not authorized to speak about an ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the device was found inside a plastic bag on West 27th Street. The device was removed with a robot and taken to a department firing range in the Bronx.

The law enforcement official also said that the explosion that rocked a bustling Chelsea neighborhood appeared to have come from a construction toolbox in front of a building. Photos from the scene show a twisted and crumpled black metal box.

The blast happened on West 23rd Street, in front of a residence for the blind, near a major thoroughfare with many restaurants and a Trader Joe’s supermarket. Witnesses said the explosion at about 8:30 p.m. blew out the windows of businesses and scattered debris in the area. Officials said no evacuations were necessary.

The Fire Department of New York said 24 people were taken to hospitals with injuries. One person received a puncture wound that was considered serious. The other injuries were described as scrapes and bruises.

New York City subway routes were affected by the explosion, which rattled some New Yorkers and visitors on the heels of the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Chris Gonzalez, visiting from Dallas, was having dinner with friends at a restaurant in the area.

“We felt it. We heard it,” Gonzalez said. “It wasn’t like jolting or anything. Everyone just went quiet.”

Rudy Alcide, a bouncer at Vanity Nightclub at 21st Street and 6th Avenue, said he, at first, thought something large had fallen.

“It was an extremely loud noise. Everything was shaking, the windows were shaking,” he said. “It was extremely loud, almost like thunder but louder.”

The FBI and Homeland Security officials, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arson and explosive task force, were at the scene.

The White House said President Barack Obama was apprised of the explosion.

In St. Cloud, Minnesota, police said at least eight people were injured at a shopping mall Saturday evening in a stabbing attack. The suspect was shot dead by an off-duty police officer.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said she had been briefed “about the bombings in New York and New Jersey and the attack in Minnesota.”

She says the nation needs to support its first responders and “pray for the victims.”

“We have to let this investigation unfold,” she said.

Donald Trump moved ahead of New York City officials when he declared a “bomb went off” before officials had released details. He made the announcement minutes after stepping off his plane in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I must tell you that just before I got off the plane a bomb went off in New York and nobody knows what’s going on,” Trump said.

He continued, “But boy we are living in a time – we better get very tough, folks. We better get very, very tough. It’s a terrible thing that’s going on in our world, in our country and we are going to get tough and smart and vigilant.”

The Republican presidential nominee made the comments around 9:10 p.m., shortly after the explosion and as emergency officials responded to the blast. A spokeswoman for Trump did not respond to an email asking whether he was briefed about it before taking the stage.

The Manhattan blast came hours after a pipe bomb exploded in Seaside Park, New Jersey, shortly before thousands of runners were due to participate in a charity 5K race to benefit Marines and sailors. The run was canceled, and no injuries were reported.

—

Associated Press writers Jake Pearson, Ezra Kaplan and Maria Sanminiatelli in New York and Eric Tucker and Kevin Freking in Washington contributed to this report.