The suspect arrested for the stabbing of two New York City police officers may have ties to Islamic extremism.
Investigators are looking into whether the attacker, identified as Trevor Bickford of Maine, was a radical due to his recent online activity, law enforcement sources told the New York Post. Bickford, 19, is accused of stabbing two officers at a security checkpoint near Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
A senior law enforcement source also told Fox News Digital that Bickford was being watched by the FBI’s counterterrorism task force in the weeks leading up to Saturday’s attack. The source also said that Bickford recently converted to Islam and an insider claimed that he had expressed an interest in going to Afghanistan.
The first officer, a rookie on his first night as a cop, received a gash to the head, prompting another nearby officer to shoot Bickford. That officer was also struck, but was not seriously injured. The first officer, identified by authorities only as Paul, is expected to recover.
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“I want to make it clear that the FBI, through the Joint Terrorism Task Force, is working very closely with [NYPD] to determine the nature of this attack,” the FBI’s Michael Driscoll said at a news conference Sunday morning. “And we will find all the clues. I also want to be very clear, as you heard earlier tonight, this is an ongoing investigation, so our ability to discuss details is limited.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams praised the officers’ response at a Sunday morning press conference. He added that all of the officers involved were in stable condition and are expected to recover.
“And as we do a preliminary review of the body camera video, we see how well these officers executed the plan that was put in place by the New York City Police Department to ensure that we protect those who came here to usher in a new year. . “, he told reporters.
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Adams and other officials are expected to provide further updates at a press conference later on Sunday.
The attack was one of multiple instances of New Year’s Eve violence in the US. A shooting in Mobile, Alabama also sent revelers running late into the night.
Authorities hold a press conference about the stabbing of two NYPD officers.
The weapon Trevor Bickford allegedly used to stab two NYPD officers.
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Police are still investigating that incident, which left one person dead and nine injured.
