Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Chrysler Building Evacuated After Suspicious Suitcase During UNGA Security
A suitcase was found on a sidewalk near the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
A police dog indicated that the suitcase might be suspicious.
Police closed nearby streets and restricted pedestrian movement.
The first five floors of the Chrysler Building were evacuated as a safety measure.
Bomb-squad officers carefully examined the suitcase.
Federal security agencies also came to help because world leaders were nearby for the United Nations General Assembly.
The suitcase did not contain explosives.
Police later said it was not a threat.
The area reopened after about 90 minutes, and nobody was injured.
A suspicious black suitcase was found near East 43rd Street and Third Avenue in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, September 22.
An NYPD canine unit flagged the unattended suitcase shortly before 3 p.m., prompting a bomb-squad response.
Authorities evacuated the Chrysler Building’s first five floors and temporarily closed nearby streets and sidewalks.
The United States Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation joined NYPD and emergency teams at the scene.
The NYPD bomb squad found no explosives, and restrictions were lifted after about 90 minutes with no injuries reported.
- Who
- The New York City Police Department, its bomb squad and emergency teams, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded.
- What
- A suspicious suitcase triggered a partial evacuation, street closures, and a bomb-squad investigation before being cleared as harmless.
- When
- Tuesday, September 22, shortly before 3 p.m.; restrictions were lifted about 90 minutes later.
- Where
- On a sidewalk near East 43rd Street and Third Avenue, beside the Chrysler Building in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
- Why
- The suitcase was flagged as potentially suspicious during heightened security for the United Nations General Assembly.
- Initial alert
- Shortly before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22
- Location
- Sidewalk near East 43rd Street and Third Avenue
- Building evacuation
- The first five floors of the Chrysler Building were evacuated
- Road closures
- Streets between 42nd and 44th Streets, from Lexington Avenue to Second Avenue, were temporarily closed
- Security response
- The NYPD bomb squad, emergency services, United States Secret Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation responded
- Outcome
- The suitcase contained no explosives and was deemed not to be a threat
- Reported injuries
- No injuries were reported
