NYC terror suspect indicted on murder, terrorism charges

A grand jury on Tuesday brought murder and terrorism charges against a man accused of using a truck to kill eight people in New York City last month.

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, has been charged with eight counts of murder in aid of racketeering, 12 counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, one count of providing and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and one count of violence and destruction of a motor vehicle resulting in death.

“Like many terrorists before him, Saipov will now face justice in an American court.  And like New York City’s response to his alleged attack, we expect that justice in this case will be swift, firm, and resolute,” acting U.S. attorney Joon Kim said in a statement.

Saipov is accused of driving a rented Home Depot truck through a bicycle path, killing eight people and injuring roughly a dozen others in lower Manhattan on Oct. 31.

Saipov exited the vehicle brandishing a pellet gun and paintball gun before being shot in the abdomen by police. He was taken into custody and to a hospital. 

A couple hours after the incident, officials declared it an “act of terrorism.”

President Trump in the aftermath of the attack said Saipov should be sent to the military prison in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. He later said Saipov should get the death penalty, and called for changes to this country’s immigration system.

Saipov is originally from Uzbekistan and has permanent resident status in the U.S.