Manhattan‘Terror’ Truck Attack Kills 8, Injures 11, Trump Orders Extreme Vetting of Foreigners

Picture Courtesy Variety

In a attack is being dubbed as the worst in New York since 9/11,  at least eight people were killed and 11 injured after a man in a rented Home Depot pick-up truck mowed down civilians after driving onto a busy bicycle path near the World Trade Centre memorial in Lower Manhattan area in New York City on Tuesday.

According to various media reports, The driver was shot at by the police after he jumped out of the vehicle, screaming and carrying what later turned out to be fake guns in both his hands, officials said.

The Guardian, in its report on the attack said that five friends from Argentina celebrating the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation were among those killed in the attack. Argentina’s foreign ministry confirmed that Hernán Diego Mendoza, Diego Enrique Angelini, Alejandro Damián Pagnucco, Ariel Erlij and Hernán Ferruchi were among the eight people killed when a truck was driven into a cycle lane in Manhattan. A sixth member of the group, Martin Ludovico Marro, is being treated at the Presbyterian hospital of Manhattan for injuries sustained in the attack.

The alleged driver, who was identified as 29-year old Uzbekistan citizen Sayfullo Saipov, was shot in the abdomen before being arrested. He underwent surgery and is expected to survive. According to authorities, he shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) after jumping out of the truck. Who is Sayfullo Saipov?

A note was recovered from the truck, according to reports, in which the Islamic State terror group was referred to. Authorities, in possession of it, are reviewing its contents.

Uber, in a statement, confirmed the shooter was one of its drivers, reported The Associated Press. He had reportedly passed a background check and was actively on its platform for the last six months. Uber said it is “horrified by this senseless act of violence.”

In response to the incident, US President Donald Trump directed authorities to step up the country’s “already extreme vetting”. In a post on Twitter, he said, “I have just ordered homeland security to step up our already extreme vetting program. Being politically correct is fine, but not for this.”

He also expressed his condolences on Twitter. “My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!” He added: “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.! We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!”