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Updated at 10pm
A MAN IN a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and bicyclists along a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial Tuesday, killing at least eight and injuring 11 others in what the mayor called “a particularly cowardly act of terror”.
The 29-year-old driver was shot in the abdomen by police and taken into custody after jumping out of the truck with what turned out to be a fake gun in each hand and shouting “Allahu Akbar!” officials said. His condition was not immediately released.
In a press conference this evening, New York mayor Bill de Blasio said that “eight innocent people have lost their lives and over a dozen were injured” in the incident.
Officers confirmed that a Home Depot truck drove up onto the West Street pedestrian and bicycle path a few blocks north of Chambers Street in Manhattan.
The truck struck multiple people on the path. It then continued south along the path, striking another vehicle.
The suspect exited the truck, displaying a “paintball gun” and was shot in the abdomen by an NYPD officer. He was then taken into custody and is currently in hospital being treated for injuries.
New York City Police Commissioner James O’Neill has said the attacker was a 29-year-old male whose identity is not yet being released.
Two law enforcement officials identified the man as 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov of Tampa, Florida.
After the attack, at least two bodies could be seen lying motionless on the path beneath tarps near mangled bicycles.
‘A cowardly act of terrorism’
Speaking at the press conference, de Blasio said: “This has been a very painful day in our city. It was a horrible tragedy.
This was an act of terror and a particularly cowardly act of terror.
“This action was intended to break our spirit but New Yorkers and strong and resilient,” he said.
“We have been tested before and New Yorkers do not in in face of these kind of actions.”
An Associated Press photographer on the scene saw at least one person lying motionless on the Manhattan bike path.
The incident took place near a community college and a high school and a few blocks north of the National 11 September Memorial.
Reaction
The city, which has frequently been on high-security alert since the 11 September 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks on the Twin Towers, is America’s financial and entertainment capital, with a population of 8.5 million.
Niall O’Dowd, the founder of Irish-American news website IrishCentral witnessed the 9/11 incident in 2001. He spoke to TheJournal.ie this evening in wake of the latest New York terror attack.
“Unfortunately, it’s no great surprise. New York is almost a target and it’s not a coincidence that it happened close to the World Trade Center,” O’Dowd told TheJournal.ie.
“It brings back very unfortunate memories for everyone. Obviously, families are going to suffer as a result.
It just seems to be so pointless, whether it’s Paris or New York, killing people for no gain whatsoever other than the hatred of people. It makes no sense.
We were not afraid after 9/11 and we’re not going to be afraid now. New Yorkers are a very resilient group.
US president Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, the White House said.
“Our Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected,” spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.
Trump tweeted: “In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE USA!”
The US president said that the country “must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!”
He also expressed his condolence with the victims of the families of the incident.
The Irish Consulate in New York City said they are monitoring the incident closely and working with authorities.
People can call 212 319 2555 for consular assistance.
NYPD and the FBI are conducting a full investigation into the incident.
With reporting by Associated Press.
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