Bear spray used in dispute at NYC hotel leaves 7 injured, triggers evacuation
A dispute inside a Manhattan hotel escalated into a hazmat-like scene early Monday, prompting a full evacuation and leaving seven people injured after a woman allegedly deployed bear spray into the building's ventilation system, according to the New York Police Department.
The incident occurred at the DoubleTree by Hilton near Broadway and Stone Street in Lower Manhattan. NYPD officers responded to a report of a chemical agent inside the hotel just before 8:40 a.m., according to a department post on X (formerly Twitter). Investigators said the dispute led one individual to spray the substance — identified as bear spray — into the hotel's HVAC system, sending the irritant through multiple floors.
Emergency crews treated seven people on scene for respiratory irritation and eye inflammation, and two victims were transported to local hospitals in stable condition, CBS News reported, citing NYPD sources. Detectives are now reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to identify the suspect.
USA TODAY reached out to the NYPD and Hilton Hotels for comment on June 29 but did not receive an immediate response.
Bear spray is a potent deterrent typically made from concentrated red pepper oil, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. When discharged, it inflames the eyes and upper respiratory tract, causing temporary blindness and severe coughing. The department warns that the spray exits the canister at more than 70 mph and can cause permanent eye damage if used improperly.
“Treat bear spray like a firearm,” the department advises. Users are cautioned to keep canisters away from extreme temperatures: above 120 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the canister to explode, while temperatures below -7 degrees may reduce pressure and prevent proper discharge.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates bear spray as a pesticide. Federal law prohibits using the product in any way inconsistent with its labeling — and every can explicitly states it is “not for use on humans.” Using it against a person therefore constitutes a violation of federal guidelines, punishable by fines or other legal action.
Monday’s incident adds to a growing pattern of bear spray misuse in urban settings, where the product — originally designed for wilderness encounters with bears — is increasingly being deployed in domestic disputes, robberies and other confrontations. Safety experts have called for stricter retail controls and clearer public education about the legal and physical consequences of misusing bear spray.
This article was originally published by USA TODAY and has been updated with additional context and analysis.