Security increases at Peace Arch border crossing following Rainbow Bridge explosion

The Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine had tightened security November 22 in what appears to be a safety measure after a deadly car explosion at a Niagara Falls border crossing earlier in the day. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, some of whom were armed with rifles, surveilled vehicles entering the U.S. through the Peace Arch port of entry. Officers spoke with passengers and conducted some vehicle checks. 

The increased security comes as U.S. and Canada officials are investigating a vehicle that exploded around noon at the Rainbow Bridge crossing in Niagara Falls. Two people who were in the vehicle died during the explosion, according to AP News. The Rainbow Bridge crossing and three nearby crossings closed.  

While no cause has been determined, some national media outlets are reporting that no evidence right now supports the explosion was a terror attack. AP News reported that both President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were briefed on the incident. 

Politico reported that U.S. and Canadian law enforcement were tightening border security along the U.S./Canada border. The explosion and tightened security come as travel is expected to increase for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

CBP didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. 

This article was updated November 22  to include that no evidence right now shows that the Rainbow Bridge explosion was a terror attack.