Topline
A man arrested for allegedly attacking three New York City police officers near Times Square on New Year’s Eve carried a diary describing his wish to die a martyr and his hope of joining the Taliban in Afghanistan, according to CNN, as details slowly emerge about the suspect.
Police say this machete was used to wound three New York City police officers near Times Square on … [+]
Key Facts
The suspect, 19-year-old Trevor Bickford, has reportedly been hospitalized since police shot him Saturday night after he attacked officers at a security checkpoint near Times Square.
Police are seeking search warrants to see whether Bickford viewed terrorist propaganda leading up to the attack, CNN reported, citing sources with knowledge of the investigation.
The attack came after the New York Police Department sent a warning to law enforcement agencies Friday about the potential for “Lone Offender Attacks” on New Year’s Eve inspired by a video release from an “ISIS-Aligned Media Unit,” according to CNN.
Little public information has been released about the alleged attacker, who is reportedly from the small town of Wells, Maine, and it is unclear whether Bickford has an attorney or what charges he might face.
An arraignment date has not been set in the case, according to a spokeswoman for the Manhattan District Attorney, while the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.
Key Background
The attack took place just after 10 p.m. Saturday night at a bag checkpoint in Midtown Manhattan at West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue, several blocks north of Times Square. The annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is one of New York City’s marquee events, with thousands of revelers packing into the space to watch the midnight ball drop and musical acts leading up to the new year. If deemed terrorism, Saturday night’s attack would be the first terrorist act to take place at or near the festivities.
Further Reading
3 police officers near Times Square injured in machete attack on New Year’s Eve: Officials (ABC News)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/01/02/nyc-machete-attack-suspect-reportedly-wanted-to-join-taliban-heres-what-we-know/