A driver of a pickup truck charged down a popular bike path in Manhattan on Tuesday leaving eight people dead and 11 injured.
The truck driver was shot in the stomach by a NYPD officer after running into a school bus and leaving the truck.
It is the deadliest terrorist attack in New York since the destruction of the World Trade Center buildings on Sept. 11, 2001.
Police identified the terrorist as 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov.
After crashing into the bus, Saipov ran down the roadway, waving a paintball gun and a pellet gun while yelling, “Allahu akbar.”
At this time, the officer discharged his weapon into the abdomen of Saipov and he was then sent to the hospital.
As of Tuesday evening, he is still alive but in critical condition.
Officials have declared this an act of terrorism after investigators discovered letters written in Arabic that pledged Saipov to the Islamic State.
“Based on information we have at this moment, this was an act of terror,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Though by definition, this is an act of terrorism, there is no clear evidence of a link to ISIS.
However, there have been multiple arrests of other foreigners from Uzbekistan, Saipov’s home country, that have been connected to ISIS.
Saipov had residence in the U.S. via a green card.
This attack is similar to the one in France where a large vehicle plunged down a busy walkway, killing many people.
The significance of this is that ISIS has been using media to motivate individuals to commit acts of terrorism by using trucks to kill crowds of people. They also want attackers to finish off the attack with weapons, either blades or guns, while shouting and leaving letters claiming responsibility.
It appears Saipov acted alone in this attack as there is no evidence of any accomplices.
Five of the victims were tourists from Argentina, a sixth was from Belgium.
The mayor also thanked the work of the officer who responded quickly to limit the carnage of Saipov as well as all other first responders.
He informed the public of increased police activity in the days ahead and asked all citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.
President Trump tweeted about the attack.
My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
“Justice will be done,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Don’t let them change us or deter us in any manner, shape or form.”
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