BREAKING: Seven Injured After Exposure to Unknown Powder at Manhattan Criminal Court

NEW YORK, NY — Seven individuals were injured following exposure to an unidentified powder at the Manhattan Criminal Court, located at 100 Centre Street, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at approximately 4:18 p.m., according to authorities. The incident prompted a swift response from emergency services and court officers, raising concerns about safety within the historic courthouse.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) and court officials reported that the exposure occurred inside the Criminal Courts Building, a 17-story Art Deco structure that serves as a hub for Manhattan’s criminal justice system. The seven affected individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been disclosed, and the nature of the powder remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether it was a deliberate act or an accidental release.

The Manhattan Criminal Court, built between 1938 and 1941, is no stranger to security challenges. A 2023 report by THE CITY highlighted ongoing fire safety concerns at the courthouse, including unmaintained fire alarm systems, underscoring broader issues with the building’s infrastructure. Additionally, a January 2025 incident at the same location saw two people slashed in a gang-related brawl, with seven others arrested, indicating persistent security vulnerabilities despite the presence of metal detectors and X-ray scanners.

The NYPD and the New York State Office of Court Administration are investigating the incident, with officials expected to release further details as the inquiry progresses. The courthouse, which houses courtrooms, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, and various legal services, remained operational, though access may have been restricted during the emergency response.

This incident adds to the storied history of 100 Centre Street, a courthouse that has processed high-profile cases involving figures like Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein, and the Central Park Five. As authorities work to identify the substance and its origin, the event underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety in one of New York City’s busiest judicial complexes.

Sources: New York Daily News, Gothamist, THE CITY, ABC News

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