At least 8 dead, 12 others injured in a cowardly terrorist act in New York City; PM Modi condemns

NewsBharati    01-Nov-2017
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New York, November 1: Tuesday proved to be a very unfortunate day for New York, as a coward terrorist drove a rented truck on a busy bicycle path near the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, killing eight people and injuring at least 12 other and tried to escape while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” However, in the attack, none of Indians were harmed while Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terrorist attack and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with those injured.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted the statement on Twitter saying, “Strongly condemn the terror attack in New York City. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with those injured.” President of India, Ramnath Kovind also posted the statement on Twitter and condemned the terror attack and said, "Shocked to hear of terrorist attack in New York. Our condolences to bereaved families. India stands by United States". 


 

President Donald Trump also condemned the attack and said, “My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!” There were many other world leaders who condemned the attack and extended their condolences.


The White House issued an official statement Tuesday evening saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today's terrorist attack in New York City and their families. My Administration will provide its full support to the New York City Police Department, including through a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We offer our thanks to the first responders who stopped the suspect and rendered immediate aid to the victims of this cowardly attack. These brave men and women embody the true American spirit of resilience and courage. I will continue to follow developments closely."

Notably, a terrorist drove a rented truck on a busy bicycle path near the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, killing eight people and injuring at least 12 others and tried to escape while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” As soon as the coward terrorist attack took place the policemen shot the suspected after which he was wounded and taken into the custody immediately. The incident occurred at West Street and Chambers Street at 3:05 p.m.

The vehicle entered the pedestrian or bike path at Houston St., a few blocks north of Chambers Street on Manhattan's west side. The truck drove down the bike path for about four blocks, striking cyclists and pedestrians before veering back into traffic lanes and striking a school bus and another vehicle.

The Indian Embassy in the United States has revealed that in the attack there were no Indians amongst the casualties. The Indian Embassy further condemned the attack and said, “We stand together with New York City in this moment of grief. We condemn this dastardly terrorist attack. Our prayers are with the victims.”



New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said that this was an act of terror and a particularly cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians. “The deadliest act of terror in New York City since 9/11,” he added. He called it "a very painful day in our city." On the other side, NYPD commissioner James O'Neill said in a press conference, “Today there was a loss of innocent life in lower Manhattan.”

 

Meanwhile, police have identified the suspect in the deadly terror attack in lower Manhattan as 29-year-old Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov of Tampa, Florida. According to the sources, Saipov, an Uzbek national, was reported to have come to the US in 2010 and worked as a commercial truck driver. He was stopped by police on multiple occasions in the past and listed a New Jersey address. However, the police and government officials have not yet publicly identified the suspect. The suspect was currently being treated at an undisclosed hospital.

According to the New York Police Department commissioner James O'Neill, “Police and witnesses said the suspect deliberately mowed down cyclists and pedestrians in a rented Home Depot pickup truck, killing eight and injuring 11. Police said the suspect drove 10 blocks in the wrong direction before striking a school bus. He then exited the vehicle, brandished imitation firearms.”

Six of the deceased victims were pronounced dead at the scene; two more died at a nearby hospital. Police said 11 were wounded with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Five Argentinians were among the fatalities, the country's consulate in New York City announced, adding that they were celebrating their 30th anniversary from high school. One Belgian citizen was amongst the fatalities, and that three Belgians were wounded.