Trial starts for man charged who plowed through NYC crowd killing 8

Death penalty trial begins for man, 34, on terrorism charges for 'killing eight pedestrians' in 2017: He is accused of running people down in rented truck in NYC's deadliest attack since 9/11

  • In late 2017, Sayfullo Saipov allegedly mowed through a group of people on the lower Manhattan bike path, killing eight and injuring many more 
  • A federal prosecutor on Monday described Saipov's prideful confession and continued support for ISIS from his hospital bed and beyond
  • A jury will have to vote unanimously to sentence him to death at the end of what is expected to be a months-long trial 

By Sophie Mann For Dailymail.Com

Published: 21:13, 9 January 2023 | Updated: 22:02, 9 January 2023

The death penalty trial has begun for the man who allegedly murdered eight innocent people in New York City by ramming into them with a truck on a Lower Manhattan bike path in 2017.

Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, 34, repeatedly proclaimed his support for ISIS following the attack, including to an FBI agent who is scheduled to testify at Saipov's trial in Manhattan federal court.

At the start of the trial on Monday, a federal prosecutor told the jury that shortly following the 2017 attack, the terrorist delivered a proud confession to an FBI agent and smiled as he asked for an ISIS flag to hang in his hospital room.

Assistant US Attorney Alexander Li told jurors in his opening statement: 'He smiled at the memory of his attack and asked for an ISIS flag to hang in his hospital room.' 

Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, 34, repeatedly proclaimed his support for ISIS following the 2017 attack, during which he allegedly plowed through a crowd of people on an NYC bike path

Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, 34, repeatedly proclaimed his support for ISIS following the 2017 attack, during which he allegedly plowed through a crowd of people on an NYC bike path

Defendants Sayfullo Saipov (second left) sits at the defense table on the opening day of his trial Monday. He is facing 28 counts for his 2017 alleged act of terror in Lower Manhattan

Defendants Sayfullo Saipov (second left) sits at the defense table on the opening day of his trial Monday.

He is facing 28 counts for his 2017 alleged act of terror in Lower Manhattan

Investigators inspect the truck Saipov used to plow down hoards of people in New York City on October 31, 2017

Investigators inspect the truck Saipov used to plow down hoards of people in New York City on October 31, 2017

Li added that Saipov delivered a 'proud confession' that he had been eager to give to an FBI agent. It became the deadliest terror attack to occur in New York City since the September 11, 2001 attack.

He described for the court the horror that had unfolded on the late October afternoon in Manhattan, when Saipov decided to indiscriminately and at 60 mph, ram his truck through crowds of pedestrian and cyclists after driving onto the bike path from the West Side Highway.

'It was a scene of destruction and horror. Mangled bikes covered the bike path, their riders - human beings - law unconscious or dead.

Survivors staggered around searching for family and friends,' said Li. 'Scream filled the air.'

Evidence presented at the trial - which is expected to be a months-long affair - will include Saipov, an Uzbeki immigrant - expressing his devotion to the global terror group.

Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in the New York City truck attack is seen in this handout photo released November 1, 2017

Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in the New York City truck attack is seen in this handout photo released November 1, 2017

Prosecutors say Saipov repeatedly committed himself to ISIS' mission, in phone calls with his family from prison, in statements made in court during post-arrest appearances, and to FBI investigators.

After plowing through a crowd of victims on the lower West Side bike path, Saipov ended his rampage by crashing his truck into a school bus that was carrying two children.

One of the children suffered 'serious brain damage' and another passenger suffered broken ribs and an injury to her liver, according to the prosecutor. He also killed five tourists visiting from Argentina who were pedaling along the bike path that day.

Emergency personal respond after the Lower Manhattan tragedy on October 31, 2017

Emergency personal respond after the Lower Manhattan tragedy on October 31, 2017

US prosecutor Alexander Li describes the 2017 terror attack perpetrated by the defendant in front of a court on Monday in Manhattan

US prosecutor Alexander Li describes the 2017 terror attack perpetrated by the defendant in front of a court on Monday in Manhattan

Marion Van Reeth, who lost both of her legs in the West Side Highway terror attack, arrives at Manhattan Federal Court with her husband Aristide Melissas on January 9

Marion Van Reeth, who lost both of her legs in the West Side Highway terror attack, arrives at Manhattan Federal Court with her husband Aristide Melissas on January 9

After his vehicle came to a stop, Saipov hopped out of the destroyed truck wielding a fake gun that he pointed at a responding police officer, who promptly shot him. 

Another victim, Marion Van Reeth, a Belgian mother who lost both her legs in the attack, was seen arriving at court Monday with her husband. Her then-16-year-old son was also injured in the attack.

Saipov is facing the death penalty if convicted of the 28 counts he stand accused of in the terror trial.

The jury will ultimately have to vote unanimously to sentence him to death.