A US jury has convicted a person who used a truck to kill eight folks on a New York Metropolis bike path in 2017 on homicide and terrorism prices, within the first federal loss of life penalty trial of US President Joe Biden’s administration.
After discovering Sayfullo Saipov responsible of committing homicide with the purpose of becoming a member of the militant group Islamic State, often known as ISIS, the Manhattan jury will return on February 6 to think about whether or not to use the loss of life penalty.
The one level of competition between prosecutors and Saipov’s attorneys was whether or not the defendant carried out the assault with a purpose to be a part of Islamic State, which the USA manufacturers a terrorist group.
Saipov, an Uzbek nationwide who moved to the USA in 2010, on Thursday was convicted on all the 28 counts he confronted.
These included homicide and tried homicide to achieve entrance to Islamic State, offering materials assist to a terrorist group, and harm or destruction of a motorcar. Saipov had pleaded not responsible.
Sporting a masks and a headset to hearken to an interpreter, Saipov appeared down as the decision was learn, after which spoke with one in all his attorneys.
Prosecutor Jason Richman informed jurors throughout closing arguments on Tuesday that Saipov had requested to hold the Islamic State flag within the hospital the place he was handled after the October 31, 2017, assault in Manhattan.
“He was glad in regards to the terrorist assault he had unleashed,” Richman stated.
“He had achieved his half, he earned his approach in, and he needed to indicate the world.”
David Patton, a federal public defender representing Saipov, conceded Saipov performed the assault, however stated he anticipated to die and change into a martyr for Islam, not be a part of the Islamic State.
Patton additionally stated Saipov was “steeped in ISIS propaganda” on the time.
“He did not anticipate to be right here earlier than all of you,” Patton stated.
“And he did not anticipate to be becoming a member of any group. And which means he isn’t responsible.”
The US Division of Justice intends to hunt the loss of life penalty for Saipov, regardless of a moratorium on federal executions since July 2021 because the division evaluations the observe.
Saipov, who final labored as an Uber driver in New Jersey, may be sentenced to life in jail with out parole.
