Trevor Bickford received a 27-year prison sentence on Thursday for a bold knife attack that occurred on New Year’s Eve in Times Square in 2022. This attack left three officers from the New York City Police Department with serious injuries, according to the Department of Justice.
According to prosecutors, Bickford, who was 19 years old at the time of the attack, arrived in Maine in December 2022 with the intention of carrying out a jihadist assault on uniformed officers using a “machete-style knife.”
Bickford, who is now 20 years old, has been sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release, in addition to serving a prison term.
“The 2022 terrorist attack in Times Square, during which Trevor Bickford attempted to kill three NYPD officers in a violent rampage, is now holding him accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. He further expressed his gratitude to the NYPD for their swift actions and bravery in thwarting this New Year’s Eve attack and for their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of New Yorkers. The Justice Department remains committed to standing alongside state and local law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, including the relentless pursuit and prosecution of individuals who aim to harm officers.”
Bickford was potentially looking at a maximum sentence of 120 years in prison, with each charge carrying a possible 20-year term.
The government requested a minimum prison sentence of 50 years, emphasizing the need to reflect the extremely grave nature of the defendant’s terrorism offense. In their court filing prior to Thursday’s sentencing, they argued that such a sentence is necessary to deliver appropriate punishment for the defendant’s actions, prevent them from engaging in further activities supporting radical terrorist ideology, and deter others who may contemplate carrying out brutal terrorist attacks within the United States.
According to prosecutors, Bickford’s actions were described as “brutal” and have had lasting effects on the three officers. The officers firmly believe that a life sentence is fitting in this case.
The defense, on the other hand, argued for a sentence of 10 years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release. They emphasized the defendant’s young age during the attack and viewed it as a crucial factor for mitigation. They also contended that his crimes were influenced by an unhealthy fixation on Islam, which originated from an untreated mental illness.
Mr. Bickford’s attorneys expressed his profound apologies to the officers, their families, and the witnesses present that night. They conveyed his remorse and his willingness to do whatever it takes to undo the pain and suffering he has caused. While he understands that he cannot alter the past, he firmly believes in his ability to shape a better future. Despite facing difficult circumstances at the Metropolitan Detention Center, he has dedicated himself to personal growth and improvement.
On December 31, 2022, three NYPD officers were stabbed with an 18-inch kukri knife while manning a checkpoint near West 52nd Street and Eighth Avenue, close to the Times Square periphery. The incident took place outside the designated secure area for the New Year’s Eve festivities.
According to the complaint from the Southern District of New York, Bickford allegedly told investigators that the attack was unsuccessful because none of the officers died and because he did not achieve martyrdom.
Bickford, in addition to the federal charges, is also confronted with over a dozen state charges related to the New Year’s Eve attack. These charges include three counts of attempted first-degree murder in support of an act of terrorism. His court appearance for the state case is set for May 22nd.
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