New York: three officers attacked with a large machete in Times Square
Authorities are investigating whether this was a "targeted attack" in light of the alleged assailant's ties to radical Islam and jihadist terrorism.
(NYPDnews / Twitter)
Trevor Bickford, 19, was identified as the alleged attacker of three police officers with a large machete during New Year's Eve celebrations in New York's Times Square.
The suspect attempted to strike an officer in the head with the machete, Commissioner Keechant Sewell said in a statement to the media Sunday. He then struck two officers in the head with the "large knife" blade before being shot in the shoulder and detained by police. The officers were hospitalized, one with a fractured skull and one with a deep cut, but all are in stable condition. The suspect was also hospitalized.
Possible Islamist terrorist attack
Authorities said they are investigating whether the man who allegedly attacked the officers had previously posted what they called jihadist writings on the internet and had traveled to New York to attack police during New Year's celebrations.
""We believe this was a sole individual at this time. There is nothing to indicate otherwise,” stated Mike Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI's New York Field Office. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is also investigating the incident.
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