No evidence of terrorism or criminal intent, CBS News reports
Despite the severity of the incident, authorities have found no indication that it was deliberate. According to CBS News, there is currently no evidence suggesting a criminal or terrorist act was behind the crash.
The clarification came as investigators worked to rule out various scenarios. In the current climate, authorities are careful to assess all possibilities before drawing conclusions, particularly in high-traffic urban areas like Manhattan.
The arrest of the driver does not necessarily imply criminal charges are forthcoming. Law enforcement has indicated that the investigation will determine whether any legal proceedings follow, depending on what the evidence ultimately reveals about the cause of the crash.
Surveillance footage and vehicle data at the heart of the ongoing inquiry
The investigation is being conducted on multiple fronts. Officials have confirmed they are analyzing surveillance camera footage from the area, reviewing electronic vehicle data, and cross-referencing those findings with witness statements gathered at the scene.
Vehicle data recorders, commonly found in modern cars, can provide crucial information about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before a crash. That data, combined with footage and testimony, is expected to play a significant role in establishing a clear timeline of events.
Authorities have not set a public timeline for when conclusions will be reached. They have, however, stressed the importance of a thorough process before any official determination is made about what led to the deaths of two people on a Manhattan street.
