NYPD sources: There was no bomb or active-shooter threat at Most Holy Redeemer

Photo by Stacie Joy from Wednesday 

Reporting by SJ 

Multiple NYPD sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly, provided additional details about the extensive police response late Wednesday afternoon at Most Holy Redeemer Church on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

The initial 911 call reported that a young, thin white man had forced his way into the church. According to the sources, the caller did not report a bomb, explosives, a suicide vest or an active shooter. 

The Emergency Service Unit K-9 teams were requested to help search the large building for the suspect — not in response to an explosives threat, the sources said. Officers searched the church for about two hours but did not find the man. 

The investigation has uncovered no evidence of a crime beyond the suspected attempted burglary, which left a broken door lock and window. Police have found no indication that anything was taken.

As previously reported, the block was closed as ESU officers, Strategic Response Group members, multiple K-9 teams and other law enforcement personnel responded. Some officers carried shields and long guns.

EVG has not received an explanation for why such an extensive response was deployed for the reported break-in.