An artist’s sketch shows suspect Sayfullo Saipov making his first court appearance Wednesday. | Photo credit ABC News
New Yorkers were unusually frightened this Halloween, but not by ghosts and goblins. Sayfullo Saipov wasn’t wearing a scary costume when he killed nine people and injured 13 others in the name of Allah. On Wednesday, he appeared in federal court to answer for his crimes. But, it’s what he wants in his hospital room that will leave you speechless.
Wearing a hospital gown and sitting in a wheelchair, Saipov was in court to answer for his deadly October 31 rampage. Handcuffed and with his legs shackled, he nodded his head as he was read his rights in a brief proceeding that he followed through a Russian interpreter. But make no mistake, he is not sorry for his crimes.
Saipov spent a year planning his attack. He watched ISIS propaganda videos, picked a day that would ensure the greatest number of targets, then he executed the plan. Using a rented Home Depot truck as a weapon, he drove full-speed down a crowded a bike path. That path, not coincidentally, was near the World Trade Center memorial.
Continuing his rampage, Saipov rammed into a school bus full of children. After the crash, he exited the truck brandishing two air guns while yelling Allahu Akbar. A nearby NYPD officer responded quickly and shot the suspect in the abdomen. Knives and a note reading “”Islamic Supplication. It will endure.” were found in his vehicle.
But, Saipov isn’t suffering like his victims and their families. He is celebrating his ISIS heroes.
Paying Homage to Terrorists
Terror suspect Sayfullo Saipov asks to have ISIS flag in his hospital room. | Photo credit The Independent
Recovering from the bullet wound that halted his reign of terror, Saipov asked to display the Islamic State flag in his hospital room. According to authorities, he wants it because he “felt good about what has he done.” The married father of three and former commercial truck and Uber driver, is content to be a terrorist.
Perhaps, that is why President Trump called for the death penalty in this case. In a series of tweets, the president showed just how angry he is. “Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantánamo…,” Trump wrote. “There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!”
Immediately after the attack, President Trump called for an end to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. That program, supported by Senate Democrat, Chuck Schumer, allowed Saipov to enter the U.S. from Uzbekistan seven years ago. Schumer slammed the president for wanting to end the program, accusing him of “politicizing” the tragedy.
