Atef has undergone surgery and surgical hardware has been installed in his foot, and he will have another operation after 10 days, Egypt's Minister of Emigration and Expatriate Affairs Nabila Makram announced in a statement on Wednesday.

The minister has been in contact with Atef and his family, reassuring the latter that Atef will receive the utmost care, and wishing him a speedy recovery, the statement added.

Makram noted that she will be regularly following up on Atef’s health condition with the Egyptian embassy until he makes a full recovery.

For his part, Atef has expressed his gratitude for his country’s support.

At least 16 people were injured in the Brooklyn subway shooting, with five people reported to be in a critical condition.

The shooter has not been identified, and according to New York Fire Department Acting Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, the attack is not being investigated as an act of terrorism.

On Tuesday morning, the gunman set off smoke grenades in a crowded subway car and then fired at least 33 shots with a 9mm handgun, police said.

The shooter fled in the ensuing chaos, leaving behind the gun, extended magazines, a hatchet, detonated and undetonated smoke grenades, a black garbage can, a rolling cart, gasoline and the key to a U-Haul van.