Authorities said Monday that a man accused of attacking police officers with a machete near New York’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve was arrested on charges of attempting to murder police officers, as they continued to investigate whether he was motivated by Islamic extremism.
Trevor Bickford, 19, is also charged with attempted assault in connection with the attack that injured two officers at the edge of the high-security zone where throngs of new year’s revelers were gathered, according to a news release from the New York Police Department.
Bickford, of Wells, Maine, remained in the hospital Monday with a gunshot wound to the shoulder caused by police fire during the confrontation. He was awaiting arraignment, and it wasn’t clear whether he had a lawyer who could comment on the allegations. Messages were left for his family by the Associated Press.
On Sunday, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation told the Associated Press that investigators believe Bickford visited New York City earlier in the week. According to the official, they are investigating whether he traveled specifically to attack police during the Times Square festivities.