8 People Dead Following a Vehicular Attack Made by a Driver Down a Manhattan Bike Path
Eight people have died, and over a dozen have been injured, following a vehicular attack committed by a motorist driving down a busy bicycle path. The incident happened yesterday (Oct. 31) in lower Manhattan, near the World Trade Center. After striking the innocent pedestrians, the man exited his vehicle, screaming with imitation firearms before getting shot by police. Wounded, the suspect, Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, was taken in to custody by police.
“This was an act of terror, and a particularly cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.
The act itself is the deadliest terror attack experienced in New York City since 9/11. De Blasio called it “a very painful day in our city.”
At approximately 3:05 PM EST, Saipov drove his rented Home Depot truck into a busy bike lane, striking and running over two bikers who were riding down West Street and Chambers Street. He continued to drive for four blocks on the path – striking additional pedestrians and cyclists along the way – before driving the car back onto the street. He then hit a car before ramming into a school bus.
Saipov is a 29-year-old truck driver from Tampa, Florida and New Jersey by way of Uzbekistan – where he immigrated from in 2010. Sources tell CBS News that Saipov yelled “Allahu Akbar” upon emerging from the rental truck. Allahu Akbar is Arabic for “God is great.”
NBC News: A picture from the scene of the incident in lower Manhattan New York following reports of a shooting. Courtesy @NYPDSpeechley pic.twitter.com/ppeMxzJ1l6
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) October 31, 2017
Six people were pronounced dead on the scene of the crime, while two others died in the hospital – bringing the death toll up to eight. At least 12 others are said to have sustained serious injuries. Three are in critical condition, three are in fair condition, and at least two are in good condition – there is no additional word on those who have been injured.
The White House issued the following statement on Tuesday evening (Oct. 31):
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today’s terrorist attack in New York City and their families. My Administration will provide its full support to the New York City Police Department, including through a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We offer our thanks to the first responders who stopped the suspect and rendered immediate aid to the victims of this cowardly attack. These brave men and women embody the true American spirit of resilience and courage. I will continue to follow developments closely.”
Due to alleged connection to ISIS, the incident is being investigated as a terror attack.
Photo Credit: iStock
