Less than a mile from where I currently live in Manhattan, New York City experienced it’s deadliest terrorist attack since 9/11. The incident happened on Halloween on the west side of the city and eight people were killed and nearly a dozen were injured. The suspected terrorist, age 29, drove down the Hudson River Park bike way, plowing through pedestrians and bikers on one of the busiest bike paths in the city.

I was in my apartment as the news unfolded. I got the notification from my AP News app and was in absolute shock (still am). The horrific scene was unfolding just a few blocks from where I was and I had just gotten back from running errands in the city. The first thing I did was check in with my roommates–thankfully they were safe and everyone in my journalism semester program was too.

It’s scary to think this happened just down the street from where I live. I have walked this side of town many times, and have been directly across the street walking the adjacent path. It’s surreal to walk the streets of New York following the attack. It makes you realize how short life truly is and how this type of attack could happen anywhere.

My heart goes out to those affected by this incident and for the beautiful people that make up the city of New York. I walked the crime scene the day following the attack and despite the bike path being closed off for the police and FBI’s investigation, pedestrians and bikers continued to go about their lives as usual, navigating around the site.

New York City is resilient. I don’t know any city that could live through something like 9/11, push through and rebuild, only to live through more hellish events. This city is so unbelievably determined to not letting fear take over or have the final say. It’s remarkable to live in and to witness.

This city continues to amaze me. The people are dedicated to coming together and standing their ground for the city they love. On the night of the attack,  Manhattan carried on with one of the city’s biggest Halloween parades that was scheduled. Hundreds of people attended, including the Mayor, who vowed the city would not give into the fear that the terrorists had intended for. I went out that night to a concert and witnessed this united bravery first-handed.

To every New Yorker who got back on their feet after what was intended for evil, I stand with you. May we continue to own each day and not take it for granted, because tomorrow is simply not promised. My heart goes out to every individual who was affected by this attack, I’m praying for those families hurting and this city we call home.

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Psalm 46: 1-2

To see footage I captured and a news package I created for my home university’s broadcast station back in Minnesota, watch below: