New York attack: Sayfullo Saipov pleads not guilty to eight counts of murder

The man accused of killing eight by driving a rental truck down a New York City bicycle path pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to murder and other charges.

29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov entered his plea before US district judge Vernon Broderick in Manhattan. With a court-appointed lawyer representing him, David Patton, declined to comment on the case after the hearing.

Saipov was immediately arrested in the wake of the 31 October attack, as he sped down a bike lane on Manhattan’s west side. He was then hospitalised when he was shot by a police officer and subsequently arrested.

On 21 November, he was charged in an indictment with eight counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder, one count of violence and destruction of a motor vehicle resulting in death and one count of providing material support to the Islamic State.

The most grave of charges against Saipov carry the death penalty, though it is unclear whether prosecutors will seek it.

After the attack, Saipov informed investigators that he was inspired by Islamic State videos and started planning his attack a year prior, according to a criminal complaint filed by prosecutors a day after the attack.

(Photo: am new York)

Saipov, who was born in Uzbekistan, said “he felt good about what he had done” and asked for permission to display the flag of the Islamic State in his hospital room, said the complaint.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which was the deadliest in New York City since the 9/11 attacks.

Five of the victims were Argentinian and part of a group in New York to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation. A Belgian woman, a New Jersey man and a New Yorker were also killed.

The next hearing in his case is set for 23 January.