People Run For Their Lives in Times Square After Mistaking Motorcycle Backfiring For Gunshots
Chaos erupted in Times Square overnight after passersby mistook a motorcycle backfiring for gunshots following a weekend of massacre.
Thousands were seen running for their lives in the tourist area of New York on Tuesday night, but according to local law enforcement, the sounds were actually from a motorcycle that backfired.
“Motorcycles backfiring while passing through sounded like gun shots," the NYPD’s Midtown North district tweeted, adding that they received several calls on the incident and "Please don’t panic. The Times Square area is very safe!"
In the video, the usually crowded area can be seen covered with people fleeing for their lives.
According to an eyewitness, it was "panic" and there was a stampede that followed.
At least one pedestrian was injured in the terrifying incident after falling while running, reports NBC New York, citing police.
The aftermath shows dozens of people appearing confused and unsure if they should continue running.
Tuesday's incident in Times Square comes on the heels of two shootings over the weekend in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio that together has claimed the lives of at least 31 people.
The shooting in El Paso occured on Saturday at a local Walmart, where a gunman opened fire on shoppers, killing 22 and injuring more than 20 others. The gunman has since been arrested.
America woke up to another mass shooting on Sunday that happened around 1 AM in Dayton, Ohio where gunfire rang out in the entertainment district. The gunman killed nine and wounded several others.
Celebrities like Rihanna and Eva Longoria are pushing congress for gun reform.
Several other A-listers like John Legend, Reese Witherspoon, Cardi B and more reacted to the weekend's tragedies on social media.
