ISIS-linked terrorist who killed 8 with van on New York bike path sentenced to 10 life terms in prison

Sayfullo Saipov, the man convicted of carrying out the worst terrorist attack in New York City since 9/11, has been sentenced to eight consecutive life sentences, two concurrent life sentences, and a consecutive sentence of 260 years in prison.

The Uzbekistani Islamic terrorist killed eight people and injured several others when he drove a 6,000 pound truck onto a bike path in lower Manhattan in 2017.



According to the Department of Justice, in January Saipov was convicted by a jury on all 28 counts brought against him, including murder for the purpose of gaining entrance to a racketeering enterprise, assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder for the purpose of gaining entrance to a racketeering enterprise, providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, and damage and destruction to a motor vehicle resulting in death.

Prosecutors found that Saipov committed many of the crimes to gain entry to the Islamic State terrorist organization (ISIS), and he was said to have carried out the deadly attack on their behalf.

ISIS commended his actions following the attack, and in the years since Saipov's committment to the terror group has not waned.

In March, the jury could not come to a unanimous decision regarding an appropriate sentence, with a outliers suggesting he should be spared the death penalty. As a result, life in prison was mandated.
 

"Today's sentence means that Sayfullo Saipov will spend the rest of his life in federal prison for brutally murdering eight innocent victims during his carefully calculated ISIS terrorist attack," said Attorney General Merrick Garland. 

"More than just holding Saipov accountable for his depraved crimes," added US Attorney Damian Williams, "the proceedings today gave further voice to the victims. More than 20 victims and family members addressed the Court and confronted Saipov. They bravely and boldly shared their pain and devastation."