New York City's legendary Radio City Music Hall became the centre of a major security alert on Wednesday afternoon when a suspicious package prompted the full-scale evacuation of the iconic venue during a matinee performance.
The dramatic incident unfolded around 2:30 PM local time, forcing hundreds of theatregoers and staff to spill onto the streets of midtown Manhattan as emergency services descended upon the scene.
Chaotic Scenes at Iconic Venue
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as police and security personnel swiftly cleared the 6,000-seat auditorium, one of New York's most famous entertainment landmarks. The evacuation occurred during a scheduled performance, with attendees reporting being hurried out of the building with minimal explanation.
"We were just sitting down for the show when suddenly security started moving through the aisles, telling everyone to leave immediately," said one audience member who wished to remain anonymous. "There was confusion at first, but people remained surprisingly calm."
Emergency Response in Action
New York Police Department officers cordoned off the area around the Sixth Avenue venue, creating a significant security perimeter that disrupted pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the bustling theatre district. Bomb squad technicians were dispatched to examine the suspicious item, while sniffer dogs worked alongside security personnel.
The NYPD confirmed they were investigating a "suspicious package" discovered within the venue but provided few immediate details about the nature of the threat. Police sources indicated the package was found in a public area of the music hall rather than backstage.
Performance Cancellations and Disruption
The evacuation forced the cancellation of the afternoon's scheduled event, with organisers scrambling to inform ticket holders about the developing situation. Radio City Music Hall, home to the famous Rockettes dance company, typically hosts multiple performances daily during peak seasons.
Venue management worked closely with law enforcement throughout the incident, with staff directing evacuated patrons to safe locations away from the immediate security perimeter. Social media quickly filled with images and videos of the unfolding scene, showing large crowds gathered on adjacent streets.
All Clear Given After Thorough Search
After several hours of investigation, authorities declared the venue safe and gave the all-clear. The suspicious package was determined not to pose a threat, though police continued their investigation into its origins and how it came to be placed within the music hall.
The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns facing major public venues in New York City, particularly iconic landmarks that attract thousands of visitors daily. Radio City Music Hall, which first opened its doors in 1932, has implemented enhanced security measures in recent years, including bag checks and metal detectors.
Evening performances were expected to proceed as scheduled following the security sweep, though some attendees expressed concerns about returning to the venue so quickly after the scare.
