A pipe bomb was detonated in the Times Square–42nd Street/Port Authority Bus Terminal during the morning rush hour. The incident occurred on a busy Monday morning, a time when thousands of commuters were using the subway system. The bomb was designed to cause significant harm but only partially exploded, leading to injuries for four individuals, including the bomber himself, Akayed Ullah, who suffered severe injuries to his hands and abdomen. Ullah was quickly apprehended by police after the explosion.

Authorities reported that the bomb was attached to Ullah's body with Velcro and had been designed to detonate in the midst of an active crowd. The incident was a part of Ullah's attempt to carry out an attack in support of ISIS, as he expressed in later interrogations. Law enforcement officials responded by shutting down the area and evacuating the terminal, which resulted in extensive disruption to the subway and bus services in New York City. The emergency response was robust, with multiple agencies, including the NYPD, rapidly deploying to secure the scene and assist the injured.

Following the incident, officials emphasized the need to maintain public vigilance against such acts of terror. The city had previously experienced several terrorist attacks, which added to the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Investigations revealed that Ullah had been inspired by extremist ideologies, and he faced charges including use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted murder. This incident underscored the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and prompted discussions on security measures in public transportation.