A Maine man who admitted to trying to kill three police officers with a machete in a terrorist attack near New York’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve 16 months ago was sentenced to 27 years in prison on Thursday in a courtroom filled with officers.
The sentencing of the 20-year-old individual in Manhattan federal court followed emotional statements from the three police officers who were attacked on the night of Dec. 21, 2022, as they screened New Year's revelers at Times Square.
The attacker shouted 'Allahu akbar' before striking the officers in the head with the machete and attempting to grab an officer’s gun. One officer suffered a fractured skull, but the threat was neutralized when another officer shot the attacker in the shoulder.
The judge cited the attacker's age and history of mental illness as reasons for leniency from federal sentencing guidelines that recommended a life term. The attacker's mother had sought help for her son's mental health issues, which included schizoaffective bipolar disorder and major depression syndrome.
The attacker expressed remorse during the sentencing, apologizing to the officers he harmed and acknowledging the impact of his actions. The officers shared their experiences of the attack, detailing physical and mental scars they continue to endure.
The defense attorney highlighted the attacker's remorse and his family's military background, noting that he had aspired to join the military before his mental health deteriorated. The prosecutor, however, urged the judge to consider the potential risks if the attacker were to stop his medication.
After serving his sentence, the judge ordered that the attacker be closely monitored for the rest of his life to ensure public safety.
