Small Explosion in Times Square

The Times Square area of New York City was jolted by an explosion at a military recruiting station:

NEW YORK (AP) - An explosive device caused minor damage to an empty military recruiting station in Times Square early Thursday, shaking guests in hotel rooms high above "the crossroads of the world."

Police blocked off the area to investigate the explosion, which occurred at about 3:45 a.m., shattering the station's glass entryway. No one was injured.

"If it is something that's directed toward American troops than it's something that's taken very seriously and is pretty unfortunate," said Army Capt. Charlie Jaquillard, who is the commander of Army recruiting in Manhattan.

He said no one was inside the station, where the Marines, Air Force and Navy also recruit.

The photo above of the Silent Drill Team in Times Square was taken last year during the filming of a new Marine Corps recruiting ad.

This blast was probably the work of some small group of antiwar malcontents. It doesn't seem to be a particularly professional attempt.