Sound of motorcycle backfiring sparks panic in New York City's Times Square

People fleeing and hiding from #timessquare after suspected live shooter #NewYork we caught this from our hotel bar 10th floor #police confirmed this was not a live shooter #timessquare #NYC pic.twitter.com/IKfagFbtzy

— The Daniels Group (@DanielsGrp) August 7, 2019

At around 10pm last night in New York City's Times Square, the sound of backfiring motorcycles triggered panic and chaos. Listen below. I'd have run like hell too.

Doesnt sound like a motorcycle backfiring to me. Pure chaos 13 minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/17t425s6c8

— Emma (@emma_elizabeth6) August 7, 2019

Please be advised that all is safe and secure in #timessquare . All reports of suspicious sounds were due to a large group of cruising through the area on this nice evening. #connecting #protecting

— NYPD Midtown South (@NYPDMTS) August 7, 2019