3 New York City officers injured in machete attack, suspect shot near New Year’s Eve ball drop

A person with a machete attacked three New York City cops not removed from town’s New Year’s Eve celebration, police stated early Sunday.

Two had been struck within the head and had been hospitalized. One officer — a rookie, patrolling on his first day with the NYPD — suffered a fractured cranium, stated Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell throughout a press convention. The different, an officer in his eighth yr with the NYPD suffered a nasty gash. All three officers had been in steady situation and anticipated to get well, a spokesperson stated Sunday. 

The 19-year-old suspect, who police sources recognized as Trevor Bickford, based on CBS New York, was shot within the shoulder by one of many places of work. He can be anticipated to get well. 

According to CBS New York, Bickford had lately been positioned on an FBI terror watchlist after his aunt reported he had been radicalized on-line and had expressed a need to journey abroad and battle with Islamic extremists.  

The assault occurred shortly after 10 p.m., simply eight blocks from Times Square, the place hundreds had been packed in for town’s annual New Year’s ball drop.

Mayor Eric Adams stated that he had spoken to an injured officer on the hospital whereas his wound was being stitched.

“He was in good spirits,” Adams stated. “He understood that his role saved lives of New Yorkers today.”

Adams praised the officers’ actions and stated the incident was remoted.

“We’re really pleased by the response and how our officers handled this situation. All three of the officers are in stable conditions and there are no credible threats to New Yorkers at this time,” Adams stated. 

The assistant director answerable for the FBI’s New York discipline workplace stated it appeared the suspect acted alone.

The FBI, NYPD and Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating, however haven’t stated in the event that they’ve decided a motive for the assault.