(ANTIMEDIA) — At least eight people were killed in New York City on Halloween after several pedestrians were run over just after 3:00 pm eastern time on the bike path along the highway in Lower Manhattan by what appeared to be a Home Depot rental truck. At least 11 others were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
Hundreds of police officers, including a bomb squad, responded to the scene.
While there are still very few details about the man responsible for the attack, the FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terror, according to ABC News. The suspect is now in custody and has been identified as Sayfullo Saipov, a 29-year-old who was living Tampa, Florida. He is currently believed to be from Uzbekistan. Four law enforcement sources have said witnesses reported that Saipov was yelling “Allahu Akbar” during the attack.
Photo of the alleged suspect, Sayfullo Saipov.
JUST IN: Suspect in NYC attack identified as 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov from Tampa, FL, multiple law enforcement officials tell @ABC.
— ABC News (@ABC) October 31, 2017
LIVE:
The graphic video above captures the scene moments after the attack and shows at least two lifeless bodies. Police have said they are not looking for any additional suspects.
Avoid the area of West St. (Barclay St. to a Christopher St.) #Manhattan due to ongoing investigation. pic.twitter.com/jPsvQUSMvL
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 31, 2017
Currently there is one person in custody. No others outstanding. All information is preliminary as the investigation is ongoing. pic.twitter.com/nsaUgZ8MJH
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 31, 2017
“We are responding to reports of shots fired in Lower Manhattan,” the NYPD initially said. But now it is not clear if any shots were actually fired. NBC News also reported that shots were fired, but those shots may have only been fired by the cops shooting the attacker.
NYPD provides timeline of deadly incident in Manhattan: Incident began at 3:05pm ET. https://t.co/pm155aGOYy pic.twitter.com/CJuAt8NL6s
— ABC News (@ABC) October 31, 2017
"I saw a truck – a white pick-up truck – going down the bicycle lane & running people over," witness describes of Lower Manhattan incident. pic.twitter.com/m9761xX2pA
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 31, 2017
Video shows blocked off West Side Highway in New York City after incident in lower Manhattan pic.twitter.com/BxuiKtlx4N
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 31, 2017
In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
BREAKING: New photo appears to show Manhattan attacker being taken into custody alive – https://t.co/mzvV2F3f8g pic.twitter.com/T8oW0oOJZX
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 31, 2017
Mayor Bill De Blasio called the attack a “cowardly act of terror.”
Below you can watch a recording released by the NYPD of a press conference with NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Police Chief Jim O’Neill:
Watch as @NYCMayor, @NYPDONeill, @NYGovCuomo, @FDNY & @NewYorkFBI update New Yorkers on incident in Lower Manhattan. https://t.co/AOgsR8BEaK
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 31, 2017
Sayfullo Saipov’s motive is not yet known.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details emerge.
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