'Crowbar wielding attacker' smashes up United Nations diplomatic centre

22 May 2023 , 14:15

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The assailant struck multiple windows, leaving behind a trail of shattered glass. (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

A man armed with a suspected crowbar has smashed up the Turkevi Center in New York's United Nations building.

No one was hurt during the attack which happened in the early hours of Monday morning, police have said.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to a 911 call at around 5.15am to reports of an incident at the Turkish Consulate on 821 1st Avenue within the confines of the 17th Precinct.

When cops arrived they found shattered and an investigation has revealed that an unidentified male suspect approached the premises and repeatedly struck several windows using a crowbar or similar blunt object.

Following the act of alleged vandalism, the suspect swiftly fled in an undisclosed direction.

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As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation into the incident is actively ongoing, a spokesperson for the New York City Police Department's DCPI (Deputy Commissioner of Public Information) confirmed.

After the frenzied attack, the assailant swiftly fled in an unknown direction (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Pictures from the scene shared on social media show a police cordon with multiple large gaping holes smashed in the glass doors of the building front.

The assailant struck the windows, leaving behind a trail of shattered glass.

The Turkevi Center, also known as the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations, is an important diplomatic establishment located within the United Nations building in New York City.

At present, no arrests have been made in connection with this incident (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

It serves as the official representation of Turkey to the United Nations.

In addition to its diplomatic functions, the Turkevi Center promotes cultural exchange, organises events, and showcases Turkey's rich heritage and traditions.

Turkey has been a member state of the United Nations since its inception in 1945, and as such, the country has maintained a diplomatic presence within the UN headquarters in New York City.

Lucy Williamson