NEW YORK —  A Monday morning explosion at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan is being called "an attempted terrorist attack," ABC 7 News reported.

According to a preliminary investigation, a 27-year-old suspect,  identified as Akayed Ullah, detonated a pipe bomb, which was affixed to his body with Velcro straps, the report said.

Three civilians suffered minor injuries during the incident, which took place at 7:30 a.m., happened in an MTA passageway at the terminal at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, ABC 7 News reported.

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ABA Statement on Port Authority Bus Terminal Explosion

The American Bus Association’s (ABA) thoughts are with those affected by the Port Authority Bus Terminal incident and our many members that operate at and near the facility. ABA members are on the front lines, in terms of this threat environment, and work hard every day with the security enforcement community to create a safe environment for our passengers more than 225,000 passengers per day and tens of millions per year at the Port Authority Bus Terminal despite limited support from federal resources.

Today’s incident, along with the vehicle-ramming attack last month in New York City, demonstrates how important it is for Congress to recognize the vulnerabilities associated with the motor carrier industry and the key role it plays in this nation’s transportation network. The private motorcoach industry, whose members provide schedule service, commuter and charters and tours to more than 600 million passengers annually, calls on Congress to do its part to protect Americans that use motorcoaches daily, by supporting funding for the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program. The intercity bus industry must stay vigilant and be prepared in this real and ever-changing threat environment, and IBSGP funding is critical to meeting this need.