Who Is Sayfullo Saipov? Trump Calls for Death Penalty for New York Attack Suspect
Sayfullo Saipov, the Uzbek immigrant implicated in a recent attack in New York City that killed at least eight people, is now recovering in a hospital after being shot during arrest. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, called for the death penalty for Saipov after calling him a "terrorist."
The 29-year-old reportedly said that it was his intent to kill as many people as possible, by driving a rental truck into a bicycle path in New York City on Tuesday, Oct. 31. The immigrant admitted that he "felt good" after the attack, according to BBC.
He is now facing charges of federal terrorism, and the federal nature of the suit could mean the death penalty despite New York's state ban on capital punishment. As such, president Donald Trump called for the maximum penalty possible, in his tweet on Thursday, Nov. 2.
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"NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!" Trump posted on Twitter.
Saipov was shot by a law enforcement officer in the course of his arrest. He appeared later in court, confined in a wheelchair, a day after the incident, happily admitting to his role after waiving self-incrimination rights, according to Reuters.
According to federal court documents, the Uzbek immigrant claimed to have planned out the rampage for a year. By last month, he was already planning out trial runs using a rental truck.
He also explained how he chose Halloween to proceed with his plan, thinking that the season will bring more people to the streets at night. He also planned to target the Brooklyn Bridge, if he was given a chance.
Saipov also claims to have been inspired by ISIS propaganda videos, including one with IS head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi asking Muslims to avenge Iraq. The incident was the deadliest terror-related attack in New York City since the 9/11 tragedy in 2001.
