Machete Mayhem in Times Square: Terror Probe Launched
Police are hunting for answers after a chilling machete attack on cops in Times Square is being slammed as a possible terrorist rampage. The suspect, 19-year-old Trevor Bickford from Maine, allegedly swung a huge blade at officers working a New Year’s Eve security detail.
Brutal Assault on Officers
Just after 10pm on Saturday, Bickford approached a group of NYPD officers on 8th Avenue near 51st Street, armed with a large knife. He struck three officers, hitting two in the head. One officer, an 8-year veteran, suffered a nasty head laceration. Another, a fresh police academy graduate, was left with a skull fracture.
All injured officers were rushed to Bellevue Hospital and are expected to survive, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell confirmed.
Suspect Under Scrutiny for Jihadist Links
Authorities say Bickford had no previous arrests but was on law enforcement’s radar for posting jihadist material online. Investigators are probing whether he travelled to New York with the goal of targeting cops.
“At this time, we believe this was a single individual; nothing suggests otherwise,”
said Mike Driscoll, assistant director of the FBI’s New York field office. The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is now deep in the investigation.
Chaos Amid New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The attack sparked panic among the crowds queued up to welcome the New Year. Witnesses said revellers fled as shots rang out, with at least one officer firing back and hitting the suspect in the shoulder. Police have since sealed off the attack zone, but the iconic Times Square event went on as planned.
Police have released images of the machete believed to be the attack weapon, and confirmed the suspect’s injuries aren’t life-threatening.
The hunt continues as authorities work to piece together what turned a night of celebration into a nightmare.
