Attack at Times Square: 3 NYPD Officers Severely Injured

Three police officers were seriously injured in an attack by a 19-year-old guy wielding a machete at Times Square, New York. The incident occurred around 10 pm at West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue, just outside the high-security area where the revelers attending the party are screened.

Scores of people assemble at Times Square, New York, each Dec 31st to see the ball fall and to usher in the New Year with people from across the world. The New York police department or NYPD is on constant alert and has high-security arrangements in place to ensure the safety of the people and police officers deployed.

The suspect approached an officer and attempted to hit him. He hit one on the head resulting in the fractured skull of one officer and slit the face of another officer. However, the officers were in stable condition.

The police later revealed that they knew the suspect for his social media postings, though he did not have a criminal record till now. The alleged Islamic extremist was identified as Trevor Bickford from Wells, Maine. The police are looking if Trevor had posted any jihadist writings online before traveling to NY. He was shot on spot in the shoulder and is now in hospital.