Scottish Catholic Observer

At least eight people have been killed and a further 11 injured in what is the deadliest terrorist attack in the city since 9/11.

A 29-year-old man, named by media as Uzbek immigrant Sayfullo Saipov, who came to the US in 2010, was shot by a police officer and arrested as he emerged from the white pick-up truck.

Officials have declared it a terrorist incident. “Today our city and our nation are stunned and horrified by another act of senseless violence,” said Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York. “While details continue to emerge, one thing is clear: once again, no matter our religion, racial or ethnic background, or political beliefs, we must put our differences aside and come together in Faith and love to support those who are injured, pray for those who have died as well as their families and loved ones, and work towards greater respect and understanding among all people so that heinous and evil acts like this become a thing of the past.”

A note was found in the truck referring to Islamic State, and the suspect was taken to hospital following the incident.

Mr Saipov is alleged to have driven 20 blocks along the populated cycle path near the World Trade Center around 3pm eastern time before ploughing into a school bus before exiting the truck, being shot by police, taken into custody and admitted to hospital for non-life threatening wound treatment.

President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, writing on Twitter: “My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!”

In separate tweets he condemned the attacker as a ‘very sick and deranged person’, adding ‘NOT IN THE USA!”, and that they must ‘not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elswhere. Enough!’

The president of the US bishops’ conference also urged people to remain strong in Faith in the face of the incident.

“This afternoon we heard of what appears to be a deliberate attack on innocent people in New York City,” Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said.

He noted that it ‘grieves me deeply that we must again respond to such acts of terror’.

“To the family and friends of those who have died, please know that you are not alone, and that the prayers of the bishops and of all the Church are with you and your loved ones,” he said. “To you and to everyone, I would like to say that the forces of darkness always try to wipe away our hope, but our hope is in the name of the Lord and will always remain firm.

“Let us remember the words of the Lord to prophet Joshua: Be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.”