New York terror suspect faces 22 charges over deadly truck attack

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A federal grand jury has indicted Sayfullo Saipov on terrorism charges stemming from the New York truck attack in which eight people were killed - also expanding the allegations to include murder in aid of a criminal enterprise.

Mr Saipov was arrested immediately after the October 31 attack in which he allegedly drove a truck down a New York City bike lane, and has been in federal custody.

The indictment charged Mr Saipov with eight counts of murder in aid of racketeering, 12 counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, one count of providing and attempting to provide material support to Islamic State and one count of violence and destruction of a motor vehicle resulting in death, the Justice Department said.

“As alleged in this indictment, Sayfullo Saipov murdered eight innocent people and injured many more in a calculated act of terrorism in the heart of one of our great cities,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “People have a right to safety walking down a sidewalk or riding a bike, and we will not change our resolve to confront these threats both at home and abroad. I am especially proud today of the law enforcement officers who acted quickly and courageously to respond and to protect people from further harm. We continue to offer our assistance, our support and our prayers to the victims of this attack and to all the people of New York City.”

Mr Saipov, an Uzbek immigrant, was treated in hospital after he was shot by a police officer and arrested.

Isis claimed responsibility for the truck attack, which was the deadliest assault on New York City since September 11, 2001.

Five of the victims were Argentinians who were part of a group in New York to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation. A Belgian woman, a New Yorker and a New Jersey man were also killed.

Reuters