A suspect with apparent extremist views traveled from Maine to New York to allegedly attack and stab NYPD officers on New Year’s Eve- all in the name of Islam
New York City, NY: Multiple officers were attacked New Year’s Eve by a machete wielding suspect just blocks away from the Times Square, causing injuries.
At around 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, it was reported that a man nonchalantly approached the officers and, completely unprovoked, attacked numerous officers. The suspect was stopped after an officer shot him in the shoulder, stopping the threat. He was transported to the hospital.
The suspect was identified as 19 year-old Trevor Bickford, a resident of Maine. It is unclear at this point what he was doing in New York City and if the attack was planned with anyone else. However, it is also reported that authorities are looking into the incident and a full investigation is underway.
According to Michael Driscoll of the FBI, he said in a news conference:
“I want to be clear that the FBI, through the Joint Terrorism Task Force, is working very closely with [NYPD] tp determine the nature of this attack.”
He continued:
“And we will run every lead to the ground. I also want to be very clear, as you’ve heard said tonight previously, this is very much an ongoing investigation so our ability to talk about specifics is limited.”
A Rookie’s First Day
Among the officers injured was an officer on his first day on patrol. The officer was one of two officers injured in the attack. The rookie was hit with the head and, thankfully, is expected to make a recovery.
After a first day like that, many are wondering if he will return to duty and continue a career as a police officer. No official statement has been made from the injured officers of union representatives on the matter. The other officer also received injuries but was considered minor. Both were taken to the hospital for further medical assessment and treatment.
A third officer was injured when he was hit by a police cruiser. It was reported that the officer went to relocate a barricade for other officers who were responded to the stabbing. As the officer stepped onto the street, a responding cruiser accidently clipped the officer, who was also sent to the hospital.
All three are in stable condition and expected to make full recoveries.
In a press conference issued by Mayor Adams, a former NYPD officer himself, he told the press:
“The three officers were attacked today, they were doing their jobs. The jobs that members of the New York City Police Department and other first responders in law enforcement officers do every day.”
He continued:
“And as we do a preliminary review of the body cam video, we see how well these officers executed the plan that was put in place by the New York City Police Department in ensuring we protect those who came here to bring in a new year.”
Suspect Had Ties to Terrorism
It was later revealed that the suspect, Bickford, had Islamic extremist ideologies. It was reported that Bickford was being watched by the FBI’s counterterrorism task force and that he wanted to go to Afghanistan.
He allegedly also left ominous messages to his family advising them to “repent to Allah and accept Islam.”
Authorities said that Bickford arrived to New York from Maine and checked into a hotel just days before New Year’s Eve. He was reportedly carrying a variety of religious materials, $200 in case and a handwritten note.
In a Fox News column covering the story, it stated:
“To my family – specifically, mother – I’m sorry for not having been a good enough son,” the note says. “I fear greatly that you will not repent to Allah. And therefore I hold in my heart that a piece of you believes so that you may be taken out to the hellfire.”
It was also reported that Bickford wrote messages to other members of his family. Most notably his brother, Devon, a Marine.
The suspect wrote to his brother and said:
“There was a time when we were close, but that time has passed. You have joined the ranks of my enemy. And for that I can give you no kind words- return to Allah.”
Bickford is being held in jail without bond.
Have you read these LET stories?
- Responding to someone who is considering hurting themselves is a tricky LEO situation. Read the link to learn how better understand it.
- An ex NYPD officer was recently sentenced to 25 years for the death of his son, but many are asking- was it enough?
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