In a shocking incident that occurred outside a concert venue in Rochester, New York, on New Year's Day, a fiery crash took place, leaving two passengers dead and several others injured. The motive behind this tragic incident remains unclear, but authorities have stated that the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Michael Avery, appeared to deliberately speed towards pedestrians with a car filled with gas canisters before crashing into another vehicle.

The crash took place shortly after midnight Monday, as concertgoers were leaving the Kodak Center following a rock concert. The impact of the collision caused a fire that took about an hour to extinguish. The scene was left in disarray, with charred gas canisters, debris, and the burned-out frame of Avery's rental car scattered about.

Investigators are grappling with numerous unanswered questions surrounding the incident. They are trying to determine whether Avery specifically targeted the city of Rochester or the music venue and what motivated him to carry out such a horrific act. Authorities have revealed that Avery spent a significant portion of the previous day stockpiling gas into his car, adding to the mystery surrounding his intentions.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed his bewilderment during a news conference, stating, "I have been getting inundated with questions as to why this individual would choose Rochester, New York. Why he would choose to do this on New Year's Day, and why he would appear to target concertgoers trying to have a great time to bring in the new year." The mayor emphasized that these questions remain unanswered at this time.

Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith confirmed that there is currently no evidence to suggest that Avery was motivated by terrorism or any political or social biases. However, law enforcement sources have stated that domestic terrorism will continue to be considered as a possible motive. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation, which is a standard procedure in cases like this, according to FBI agent Jeremy Bell. Although no link to terrorism has been established thus far, the agency will continue to provide assistance in the investigation.

Eyewitnesses reported that moments before the crash, Avery approached the concert venue in a rental car loaded with at least six gas canisters. He then proceeded to drive into oncoming traffic, seemingly targeting pedestrians at a crosswalk. However, instead of reaching the pedestrians, Avery collided with a rideshare car that was pulling out of a parking lot. The force of the impact sent both vehicles hurtling through the crosswalk.

As authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident, the community of Rochester remains in shock and mourning. The loss of two innocent lives and the injuries sustained by others serve as a somber reminder of the need for answers and justice in this devastating event.