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A man accused of attacking the police with a machete near New York Times Square on New Year’s Eve was arrested on charges of trying to kill the officer, the police said there as the authorities continue to investigate whether he was motivated by Islamic extremism.
Trevor Bickford, 19, also faces attempted assault charges from the attack that injured two officers at the edge of a high-security zone where throngs of New Year’s revelers were gathered, the New York Police Department said in a release.
Bickford, who lives in Wells, Maine, remained hospitalized Monday with a gunshot wound to the shoulder from police fire during the confrontation. He is awaiting arraignment, and it is unclear whether he has an attorney available to speak about the charges. The Associated Press left a message for his brother.
The violence happened around two hours before midnight on Saturday, outside an area where revelers were screened for weapons before entering one of the world’s biggest and most famous New Year’s celebrations.
Officer, the suspect is expected to recover
The two officers were struck with a machete before the suspect was shot, authorities said. The two officers were treated at the hospital, one with a fractured skull and the other with serious injuries, and both are expected to recover. The same goes for the suspect.
A law enforcement official familiar with the matter told the AP on Sunday that investigators believe Bickford traveled to New York City earlier in the week. They are checking to see if he made a special trip to attack police at the Times Square celebration, the official said.
New York City police and federal officials are still trying to figure out a motive, and investigators are looking into Bickford’s online postings, which include several mentions of Islamic extremist views, the officials said. The official could not discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
Michael Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, said Sunday that investigators believe the attacker acted alone.
FBI spokesmen in New York and Boston declined to discuss the ongoing investigation Monday. Boston field office spokeswoman Kristen Setera called it a “very active investigation.”
FBI agents were seen Sunday night breaking into the Bickford family home in Wells, a popular beach destination near the New Hampshire border. Bickford competed in sports in high school, was part of the Maine state championship wrestling team in 2020 and made the honors to study for at least one year.
The principal at Wells High School declined to comment Monday. A message seeking comment was sent to the wrestling coach.
Two officers attacked
Bickford’s father died unexpectedly in 2018, according to an online obituary.
The machete attack happened about two hours before midnight on Saturday, outside an area where people are screened for weapons before entering one of the world’s biggest and most famous New Year’s celebrations.
The two officers were struck with a machete before the officer shot the suspect, authorities said. One officer suffered a fractured skull and another was injured. Both are expected to recover, as is the suspect.
The violent attack quickly sent several people running, but the celebrations in Times Square continued.
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