Driver Crashes SUV Loaded with Gas Cans Near New York Concert Venue

Investigation Shows No Evidence of Terrorism

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – An SUV loaded with gas cans crashed outside a concert venue in western New York, leaving three people dead, including the driver, and several others injured on New Year’s Day. The incident, which occurred in front of the Kodak Center in Rochester, appeared to have targeted a pedestrian crossing. However, authorities have stated that there is no evidence suggesting a terror motive.

During a news conference, Rochester Police Chief David Smith expressed that the driver, tentatively identified as 35-year-old Michael Avery from the Syracuse area, may have been suffering from undiagnosed mental health problems. Smith mentioned that Avery had been in the Rochester area for several days and had purchased gasoline and fuel containers multiple times leading up to the crash. Despite these findings, officials have been unable to determine the motive behind the incident.

“I have been inundated with questions regarding this individual’s choice of Rochester, New York, the timing on New Year’s Day, and the apparent targeting of concertgoers who were simply enjoying themselves,” said Mayor Malik Evans. “These are all valid questions that we currently do not have answers to.”

The collision occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Monday, as concert attendees were leaving after a performance by the jam band moe. The driver of the SUV, identified as a Ford Expedition, accelerated towards the theater and veered into the opposite lane of traffic, seemingly aiming for the crowded crosswalk. However, the Expedition collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander that was pulling out of a parking lot, causing both vehicles to slide into pedestrians in the crossing.

Tragically, two rear-seat passengers in the Outlander, 28-year-old Justina Hughes from Geneva and 29-year-old Joshua Orr from Webster, lost their lives in the crash. The families of the victims released statements expressing their devastation, highlighting the close friendship between Hughes and Orr, who shared a love for music.

Michael Avery was pronounced dead later at a hospital. According to Chief Smith, at least nine pedestrians were injured, with one sustaining “life-altering” injuries. However, the remaining individuals are expected to make a full recovery. The collision sparked a fire that took the fire department over an hour to extinguish.

Following the crash, authorities searched Avery’s hotel room and did not find a suicide note. The police revealed that Avery had arrived in the Rochester area on December 27 and checked into a hotel. Two days later, he rented the Ford Expedition from the local airport. On Saturday, Avery embarked on a spree of purchasing gasoline and gasoline containers in the surrounding area.

“So far in the investigation, we have found no evidence of an ideology or any connection to terrorism, whether domestic or international,” stated Jeremy Bell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Rochester office. Bell further mentioned that the FBI’s joint terrorism task force was assisting in the investigation, a standard procedure in cases like this.

The band moe., who had performed at the Kodak Center on that fateful night, expressed their deep shock and sadness over the tragedy. In an Instagram post, the band conveyed their condolences to the families and friends of the victims and extended their thoughts towards those who were injured.