New York ‘Terror Attack’ Update: Truck Driver Identified
New York authorities have ended their first briefing, hours after a vehicle entered a bike path in lower Manhattan in an incident officials have called an “act of terror”. Here’s what we know so far:
Eight people were killed, and 11 others were seriously injured. The suspect is a 29-year-old male, who had a paintball gun and a pellet gun.
Several officials have identified the New York City truck attacker as Sayfullo Saipov from Tampa, Fla.
Although New York officials during Tuesday’s official press conference declined to list any details about the suspect other than the fact that he is a 29-year-old male and not from New York, several officials told ABC News that the suspect is Saipov from Florida.
As the suspect got out of the truck, he was heard yelling “Allahu Akbar”, the Arabic phrase for “God is great”, according to the New York Times and Associated Press.
When a reporter asked police chief James O’Neill about the phrase, he responded, “Yes, he did make a statement.” He would not confirm the words used, but added: “The MO [modus operandi] of the attack is consistent with what has been going on.”
The suspect was shot by police, but survived and was taken to a hospital. Governor Andrew Cuomo called it a “lone wolf” attack, and authorities have said there is no ongoing threat or evidence of a wider plot.
Soon after, President Donald Trump tweeted: “In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!”
