Just a month after the attack in Las Vegas that shook the nation, we mourn another loss. On Oct. 31, not far from the New World Trade Center where the attacks of Sep. 11, 2001 took place, Sayfullo Saipov drove his vehicle through a crowd of pedestrians, killing 8 and injuring 11.
Saipov’s vehicle, a rental truck from Home Depot, was searched and in it they found an ISIS flag printed on a sheet of paper, multiple letters by the suspect, declaring his allegiance to the well-known terror group, and a paintball and pellet gun. Police said that the suspect drove his vehicle onto the bike path by West Street, mowing over several people. Saipov was shot by police and taken to the hospital but still remains in custody to be questioned. The suspect had a green card and was an immigrant from Uzbekistan.
Later that day President Trump tweeted, “Looks like another attack by a very sick and very deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A!” and then later, “Thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!”
While there is very little information on the attack now, Acting United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Elaine Duke, said in a statement that DHS and its law enforcement partners “remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding the American people.”