A suspected machete-wielding jihadist attacked three officers from the New York Police Department in an unprovoked attack near Times Square.
The attack, which occurred just before the city’s famed New Year’s Eve celebration, saw the suspect approach the officers and slash one of them in the head at about 9:30 p.m. One of the officers promptly shot the suspect in the shoulder, according to the New York Post.
Three officers were attacked in midtown this evening. Thankfully, they are all in stable condition and their attacker is in custody.
They are in good spirits. Their response is an example of the courage and professionalism of our NYPD officers who give so much for our city. https://t.co/4QPoFMBcEr
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 1, 2023
New York City Mayor Eric Adams identified the injured officer as Paul, a rookie officer who was stationed at West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue. Paul, who is assigned to the Staten Island precinct, had just graduated Friday and was working the New Year’s Eve detail for the night.
This is the weapon that was recovered at the scene. https://t.co/Waaux2hUTt pic.twitter.com/EijU7QUgkQ
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) January 1, 2023
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell told a press conference that the officers were outside the area where attendees were being screened for possible contrabands when the incident occurred. Sewell revealed that the attack fractured Pau’s Skull, with the rookie officer sustaining a large laceration to his head.
Sewell also revealed that one of the officers, an eight-year veteran of the force, was struck on the head and suffered a laceration.
Both officers were taken to the hospital, where they remained in stable condition. Mayor Adams said he spoke to one of the officers just as he was being stitched up at the hospital.
“He was in good spirits,’ Adams said. ‘He understood that his role saved the lives of New Yorkers today.”
Law enforcement identified the suspect as 19-year-old Trevor Bickford. The 19-year-old was arrested and taken to Bellevue Hospital. Adams and Sewell maintained that there is no ‘active threat’ to the community.
While authorities have not revealed the attacker’s motive, the Post reported that the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is now investigating the incident for possible terror connections.
