On Monday morning, the world-famous Times Square in New York City was transformed from its usual scene of bustling crowds and neon-lit excitement into a tense, eerily quiet space, as police responded to a suspicious package left outside the NYPD precinct at West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue. The incident, which unfolded on August 18, 2025, at around 10:30 a.m., caused a major disruption to one of Manhattan’s busiest areas, sending ripples of anxiety through tourists, commuters, and local workers alike.
According to CBS News New York, the NYPD received a 911 call reporting a potential threat near the iconic intersection. The package—a cylindrical device—had been left in front of the precinct by an individual who quickly walked away, sparking immediate concern. Within minutes, the NYPD Bomb Squad and Emergency Service Unit were on the scene, and police began evacuating large sections of Times Square. Chopper 2 captured aerial footage of the usually packed pedestrian plaza, now nearly empty save for police vehicles and officers blocking off streets and freezing pedestrian zones as a precaution.
Fox 5 New York described the swift response: "The Emergency Service Unit and bomb squad responded, and pedestrian zones in the area were frozen as a precaution." Streets surrounding Times Square were closed, and the public was directed to avoid the area. The disruption caused significant travel delays, with traffic snarled and the usual flow of people through the city’s heart abruptly halted.
For many, the situation was unsettling. A couple from Yonkers, visiting with their baby, told reporters they were startled by the sudden evacuation, asking, "Are we alright?" A family from Colombia recounted the unnerving scene, while tourists and commuters alike were left stranded, unable to bypass the bustling Midtown artery for about an hour. As reported by The Independent, a tourist from Madrid remarked, "I think it’s important for the city that security measures improve day by day."
Despite the anxiety, the city’s infrastructure showed resilience. The MTA confirmed that subway service at nearby stations was not disrupted, allowing some semblance of normalcy to continue underground even as the streets above ground were cordoned off. Eerie aerial images from Reuters and CBS News New York showed Times Square at a standstill—a rare sight for a place that never truly sleeps.
Authorities worked quickly to investigate the package. By 11:53 a.m., less than ninety minutes after the initial report, officials confirmed that the item was not dangerous. Fox 5 New York reported, "As of 11:53 a.m., officials confirmed the item was not dangerous." The NYPD declared the package non-hazardous, and the all-clear was given around noon. Streets reopened, and the crowds—perhaps a bit more cautious—began to flood back into Times Square. Theaters, vendors, and the city’s relentless pedestrian activity resumed, bringing the area back to life.
As the investigation concluded, more details emerged about the person responsible for the scare. Law enforcement sources, cited by the New York Post, revealed that Desean Maryat, a 26-year-old man from the Bronx, was arrested and charged with placing a false bomb and reckless endangerment. Maryat, who was on probation at the time (though the reason for his probation remains unclear), was taken to a local hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Police said he was seen intentionally placing the package in front of the NYPD precinct, a detail confirmed by CBS News New York: "Sources said the person of interest was seen intentionally placing the package in front of the NYPD precinct in Times Square."
The motives behind Maryat’s actions are still unknown, and authorities have not released further information about the package itself. However, the incident has reignited conversations about public safety and the preparedness of New York City’s emergency response teams. A city worker near the scene appeared unfazed, telling The Independent, "Same old, same old." Another local, Matteo J., 28, from Brooklyn, reflected on the city’s resilience: "There’s always crazy things happening in the city... You know, people move on fast in the city, though, nobody even thinks twice about anything once they hear it, they just move on with it."
Tourists and locals alike expressed a mix of relief and resignation. Kuli Dhesi, a tourist caught up in the evacuation, told CBS News New York, "At the end of the day, it’s for the greater good, no one’s going to complain. At the end of the day, safety comes first." Long Island resident Mike Mercado added, "It’s a shame. Out here, Times Square, all this madness is happening." The incident, while alarming, seemed to reinforce the city’s well-worn routines for dealing with such threats.
In the hours following the all-clear, some questioned whether the act was a deliberate attempt to draw attention. Matteo J. speculated, "I think it’s very obviously, very intentional to leave it in front of the police department just to get attention, maybe grab people’s eyes towards whatever it is. I don’t know if we’ll find out what it is." He continued, "We live in an attention economy, so I think people are finding out ways how to really get numbers on whatever they want the world to see."
The NYPD’s response followed established security protocols, with units deployed rapidly and the area secured in record time. The investigation into the package was completed efficiently, and normal operations resumed swiftly—a testament to the city’s capacity to handle emergencies without descending into panic. No injuries were reported, and despite the brief disruption, the city’s rhythm hardly missed a beat.
As the day wore on, the story of the Times Square bomb scare faded into the city’s ever-changing tapestry of events. The police investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to review security footage and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. For now, the most important takeaway is the city’s ability to respond effectively, keep its residents and visitors safe, and move forward—even after a scare in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
While the motives behind Desean Maryat’s actions may not yet be fully understood, Monday’s events served as a reminder that vigilance and preparedness remain crucial in a city as vibrant—and as vulnerable—as New York. Life in Times Square, as always, goes on.
