New York truck attack: Driver charged with terrorism offences

New York : The truck driver of New York's deadly attack near 9/11 site has been charged with terrorism offences by the Federal prosecutors on Wednesday.

During the trial it was claimed that he was spurred to attack by the Islamic State group's online calls to action and picked Halloween because he figured streets would be extra crowded.

Even as the terrorist was wounded by a police gunshot, there was no shame in him while claiming that "he felt good about what he had done."

Identified as 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov, he was brought to court on a wheelchair to face charges that could attract a death penalty for him.

Questioned in his hospital bed, Saipov said he had been inspired by ISIS videos and began plotting an attack about a year ago, deciding to use a truck about two months ago, FBI agent Tyree said.

During the last few weeks, Saipov searched the internet for information on Halloween in New York City and for truck rentals, the agent said. Saipov even rented a truck on Oct. 22 to practice making turns, and he initially hoped to get from the bike path across lower Manhattan to hit more pedestrians on the Brooklyn Bridge, Tyree said. 

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