New York City Machete Attack Suspect May Have Been Inspired by Islamist Extremists
According to a law enforcement person with knowledge of the situation, authorities in New York City are looking into whether or not a guy who assaulted three police officers with a machete at a New Year’s Eve celebration, wounding two of them, was motivated by violent Islamic extremism.
At around 10 o’clock, some eight blocks away from Times Square, the incident occurred, well beyond the high-security zone where revellers are searched for weapons. Two police officers were injured by the machete wielder before one of them shot him in the shoulder. One of the officers had a cracked skull, while the other suffered a nasty cut, but both were taken to the hospital and are expected to make full recoveries.
The suspect, a 19-year-old male from Wells, Maine, was not officially named by police; but, a law enforcement official did identify him as such to The Associated Press.
Law enforcement officials have stated that they suspect Bickford travelled to New York City earlier in the week and are investigating if he came to New York intentionally to attack police officers at one of the major New Year’s festivities in the world.
The insider stated that detectives have been looking through Bickford’s internet comments, which include some references to Islamic extremist ideology, in an attempt to determine a motivation. Because of the sensitive nature of the probe, the official only agreed to speak to the AP on the condition of anonymity.
The gunshot wound to Bickford was thought to be minor. There was no instantaneous announcement of charges against him.
New York Field Office Assistant Director Michael Driscoll said the FBI’s Joint Terrorist Task Force was conducting their investigation, but that they believe the attacker acted alone.
Some people fled in fear after the attack, but the celebrations in Times Square continued as planned.
At a press conference early on Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams said he had spoken to one of the injured officers as he was getting stitches.
“He was in good spirits,” Adams reported. “He understood that his role saved lives of New Yorkers today.”
Every year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) launches a large security operation to ensure the safety of the New Year’s Eve throng. Thousands of cops, including many fresh faces, have been deployed to the region. The mayor noted that one of the injured officers had just finished the police academy on Friday.
Checkpoints staffed by officers with metal-detecting wands are installed at all entrances to the blocks where the largest crowds gather to watch performances and the midnight ball drop. Bags larger than a backpack and coolers are not permitted. To stop car attacks, barriers have been erected up.
However, there is a limit to how far the security perimeter can go. The assault happened on Eighth Avenue, a thoroughfare frequently congested with people seeking to avoid the restricted zone or locate a safe exit.