Jihadist Attacker Pleads Guilty in New Years Eve Times Square Assault; Could Get 120 Years in Prison

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a chilling turn of events on New Year’s Eve 2022, Trevor Bickford, a 20-year-old Maine native, pleaded guilty to terrorism charges for a machete attack on NYPD officers near Times Square. As was reported by the New York Post, Bickford’s lone wolf assault, fueled by jihadist ideology, left three officers injured during the iconic midtown celebration. As the guilty plea unfolds, federal officials anticipate a potential 120 years in prison for the radicalized assailant.

Bickford, armed with a 12-inch machete, targeted NYPD officers stationed on West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue during the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, according to the Post report. Shouting “Allahu Akbar,” Bickford lunged at the officers, slashing three in the process.

The attack resulted in a fractured skull for a 23-year-old officer, who required internal and external stitches. Two other officers were injured in the assault. An NYPD officer on the scene intervened, shooting Bickford in the shoulder, leading to his apprehension.

Bickford had traveled from his home in Wells to New York City days before the attack, armed with the machete and a clear intent to wage jihad and cause harm, the report in the Post said. Radicalized over the summer of 2022, Bickford consumed Islamist propaganda and was influenced by the teachings of a “spiritual mentor” associated with al Qaeda.

The assailant expressed a desire to murder military-aged men working for the U.S. government, aiming to become a martyr and an inspiration for other Islamic extremists. According to information provided in the Post report, Bickford had been on the FBI’s radar since December 10 when his mother reported his obsession with Islam, leading to a federal investigation.

The assailant’s plans to join the Taliban abroad shifted to a domestic attack on Times Square after authorities intervened. The Post also reported that Bickford pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder of officers and employees of the U.S. Government and persons assisting them and three counts of assault. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 11, 2024, where Bickford faces the prospect of up to 120 years in prison.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and preventing acts of terrorism on American soil. The sentencing hearing will provide an opportunity for justice to be served and for the affected officers to find closure.