New York's Times Square briefly shut down over suspicious device

New York City police shut down part of Times Square on Monday morning after receiving a call about a possible explosive device, but the area was reopened to vehicles and pedestrians less than two hours later, Reuters reported.

The closure affected Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 44th Streets, leaving one of Manhattan’s busiest intersections eerily quiet. Normally crowded with tourists, theatergoers, and commuters, the stretch of roadway was blocked off by a police truck as officers sealed each corner and turned people away.

“For about an hour and a half on Monday morning, the normally bustling, two-block section of Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 44th streets was virtually empty and closed to traffic,” a police spokesperson confirmed.

By noon, investigators had cleared the scene, and traffic and foot traffic resumed.

The temporary shutdown brought an unusual calm to the heart of Midtown, drawing comparisons to the early days of the 2020 pandemic when New York was largely deserted.

Times Square, known worldwide for its New Year’s Eve celebrations and home to Broadway’s theater district, is one of the city’s busiest crossroads, particularly in the summer.

Despite the street closures, subway service continued to operate beneath Times Square, though part of the station was sectioned off while the investigation was underway.

Police have not disclosed further details about the suspicious item.