Vendor Who Stopped NYC Bomb in Congress Bid

The vendor who stopped a bomb attack in Manhattan’s Times Square in May 2010 has announced a bid for Congress, according to media reports.

Handbag vendor Duane Jackson, a disabled Vietnam veteran, was dubbed a hero for notifying authorities after spotting a car that was emitting smoke. For tipping off authorities, who then removed the car without incident, Jackson received a congratulatory phone call from President Barack Obama.

“I had people from all over the world come and thank me for, you know, seeing something and saying something. I can tell people, especially young people and people in the minority communities, it’s OK to get involved in the running of this country,” Jackson said, according to CBS New York.

Jackson, 59, is running as a Democrat against Republican Nan Hayworth in a district north of New York City.

Faisal Shahzad, the man who admitted to setting up the explosives-packed vehicle, was sentenced to life in prison last October.