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Ted Cruz slammed for spreading baseless theory that Rainbow Bridge incident was 'terrorist attack'

Cruz's characterization of the incident at the Rainbow Bridge came despite statements from the FBI and NY Governor Kathy Hochul asserting otherwise

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Republican Senator Ted Cruz was criticized on social media for spreading misinformation after he claimed the car crash and explosion that occurred at the US-Canada border on Wednesday, November 22, was a "terrorist attack."

Cruz's characterization of the incident at the Rainbow Bridge came despite statements from the FBI and New York Governor Kathy Hochul asserting otherwise.

Official statements and investigation

Late on Wednesday night, on November 22, the FBI announced that it was turning the investigation over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.

"FBI Buffalo has concluded our investigation at the scene of the Rainbow Bridge incident. A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials and no terrorism nexus was identified," stated the agency, aligning with Governor Hochul's assurance that there was no evidence of a terrorist attack.

Hochul, speaking at a press conference, emphasized that the crash on the US side of the Rainbow Bridge had no indication of explosives and that there was no terrorism involved.

The incident involved a vehicle speeding toward a border checkpoint, hitting a booth, exploding, and going airborne. Tragically, both the driver and passenger lost their lives, with one victim identified as a western New York resident.

"You actually had to look at it and say, 'Was this generated by A.I.?' because it was so surreal to see how high in the air this vehicle went and then the crash and explosion and the fire," Hochul said.

The investigation faces challenges due to the extensive damage, as much of the vehicle was destroyed, and debris was scattered over 13 booths. "There is not a license plate," she said.

Governor Hochul highlighted the congested nature of the area, describing the potential for a "cataclysmic" outcome. One booth agent was injured but later released from the hospital after treatment.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas echoed the conclusions of the investigation, stating that the incident did not appear to be terror-related. "We will continue to closely coordinate with state and local officials," he stated.

Despite this, Senator Cruz took to social media to make baseless claims. The Republican firebrand posted on X, "This confirms our worst fear: the explosion at Rainbow Bridge was a terrorist attack. Both attackers are dead, and one law enforcement officer is injured."

"I am praying that officer makes a full recovery and is able to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by family and loved ones. Thank you to our law enforcement officers who are remaining vigilant and working to protect Americans traveling for Thanksgiving," he added.

Netizens slam Ted Cruz for spreading 'misinformation'

Cruz faced immediate backlash for claiming it was a terrorist attack from netizens.

"Dude you’re a Senator. Stop spreading unconfirmed information," one critic responded.

"These people wake up every day rooting for a terrorist attack against the United States - anything they will exploit as an opportunity to criticize Biden and Democrats," another wrote.

"As per the Republican playbook conclusion before facts," a comment read.

"Errh - jumped the gun didn’t we?" someone else added.

"A sitting senator spreading misinformation? The only thing worse would be fleeing to Cancun while your constituents freeze to death…" another quipped, referring to Cruz's trip to Cancún, Mexico while his home state buckled under the severe effects of a devastating winter storm.

Security measures tightened

The incident prompted increased security measures, with the Rainbow Bridge temporarily closed and other bridges in Canada reopening only after precautionary closures.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport heightened security with car checks and additional screenings.

President Joe Biden was briefed on the explosion, and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured the country that authorities were taking the incident "extraordinarily seriously."

"We are taking this extraordinarily seriously," Trudeau assured. "We are following up to try and get as many answers as rapidly as possible. … Additional measures are being contemplated and activated at all border crossings across the country."

In response to the unfolding situation, various officials took precautionary steps. Toronto's police department increased patrols, and in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced enhanced security measures for Thanksgiving.

The NYPD bolstered security at key locations across the city, emphasizing increased scrutiny at entry and exit points, ABC News reported.