Rochester, New York – Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive in the tragic New Year’s Day crash that claimed the lives of two individuals and injured several more in Rochester, New York. The incident involved a driver, identified as Michael Avery, who crashed his SUV into a car after a concert at the Kodak Center, ultimately leading to the fatalities and injuries.
Police Chief David M. Smith disclosed that Avery’s intentions remain unclear, prompting a call for the public’s assistance in shedding light on the matter. Family members of Avery mentioned possible undiagnosed mental health concerns, leading investigators to focus on individual motives rather than broader societal or political issues.
The collision occurred in the early hours of the morning as concert-goers were dispersing, with Avery accelerating towards pedestrians before colliding with another vehicle, resulting in a tragic outcome. Subsequent investigations revealed the presence of gasoline canisters in Avery’s vehicle, raising suspicions and necessitating the involvement of an arson team and the FBI in the case.
Further inquiries into Avery’s activities indicated his recent travels to Rochester and unusual purchases of gasoline and containers, hinting at premeditated actions. However, no conclusive evidence or motive has emerged from searches of his hotel room and personal vehicle, leaving gaps in understanding the events that transpired that fateful night.
The band “moe,” whose concert preceded the incident, expressed deep sorrow and disbelief at the tragic turn of events, extending condolences to the affected families and individuals. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans echoed similar sentiments, urging patience as investigative efforts continue and appealing to the public for any pertinent information that may aid in reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the crash, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, underlining the gravity and significance of the incident. Despite the absence of conclusive motives or explanations, efforts to piece together the puzzle remain underway, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and comprehensive investigation to provide closure and answers to the impacted individuals and the broader community.