A tragic incident unfolded in western New York as a driver deliberately crashed an SUV filled with gas cans near a crowd of New Year’s concertgoers, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The motive behind this intentional attack remains a mystery, leaving authorities puzzled. The Rochester police disclosed that the driver, Michael Avery, 35, spent several hours in the vicinity of the Kodak Center on the night of the fiery wreck. Surprisingly, Avery even purchased a ticket to the show but did not enter the theater. Rochester Police Chief David Smith revealed that investigators found gasoline-filled canisters, a replica gun, and lighters in Avery’s rented Ford Expedition. Furthermore, a 20-page journal with unrelated entries that appeared to be several years old was also discovered.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans described Avery’s actions as a premeditated “assault on innocent people” and emphasized that it indicated his intention to cause further harm. Despite ongoing investigations, authorities have been unable to determine the motive behind Avery’s attack. They have thoroughly searched his hotel room, storage unit, and personal vehicle, as well as reviewed extensive surveillance footage and interviewed individuals acquainted with him. So far, there is no evidence of any co-conspirators or connections to extremist ideologies.
Avery, who resided in the Syracuse area and worked as a delivery driver, had exhibited behavioral problems in the past. However, his family did not notice any immediate signs of trouble leading up to the incident. In the days before the attack, Avery spent time in the Rochester area, purchasing and filling multiple gas cans.
On January 1, around 1 a.m., Avery drove his Ford Expedition into oncoming traffic, seemingly targeting a crosswalk filled with people leaving a concert by the band moe. The SUV collided with a ride-hail vehicle, causing both vehicles to crash into the crosswalk. Tragically, two ride-hail passengers, Justina Hughes and Joshua Orr, lost their lives, and several others, including pedestrians, sustained injuries. One of the injured individuals, Dawn Revette, 54, succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday. While investigators continue their efforts to determine the motive, one person remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
This shocking incident has left the community in grief and searching for answers. The authorities are determined to uncover the truth behind this intentional attack, but for now, the motive remains elusive.
