Overview
- Hours after the blaze on Monday, state police arrested 24-year-old Tyler J. Russell and charged him with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of arson.
- First responders arriving just after 6 a.m. found the Knights Inn fully alight with heavy black smoke and rapid flame spread that hampered rescue efforts.
- Six people died and at least two were hospitalized while a Red Cross volunteer estimated about 73 residents were displaced and moved to a temporary church shelter.
- Investigators have not publicly disclosed the fire's exact cause or point of origin and the Broome County District Attorney is coordinating the ongoing criminal investigation.
- The Knights Inn is one of several motels used by Broome County to house people experiencing homelessness and local organizations have set up shelters and relief funds for those affected.