Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of NYPD Officers in Times Square Machete Attack

Trevor Bickford, 20, of Wells, Maine, pleaded guilty to three attempted murder charges and three charges of assaulting US employees or officers in connection with the machete attack on three NYPD officers near Times Square on New Years Eve 2022.

A Maine man has admitted to attempting to kill three New York Police Department (NYPD) officers in a machete attack near Times Square on New Year's Eve 2022. Trevor Bickford, 20, of Wells, Maine, entered a guilty plea in Manhattan federal court to three counts of attempted murder and three counts of assaulting US employees or officers. The charges carry a potential combined sentence of up to 120 years in prison.

Bickford's Confession

During the plea proceeding, Bickford acknowledged his crimes, stating, "On December 31, 2022, I attempted to kill three NYPD officers with a knife while they were working in Manhattan. I know what I did was wrong and I'm sorry." Authorities revealed that the officers were attacked on the edge of the high-security zone where people were being screened before entering the Times Square area. The incident occurred approximately two hours before the start of the new year.

Allahu Akbar and Jihad

Bickford shouted "Allahu akbar" before striking the officers in the head with the machete and attempting to seize an officer's gun. One officer sustained a fractured skull. All three officers were injured in the attack, while Bickford was shot in the shoulder by police and taken to a hospital. Investigations revealed that Bickford had studied radical Islamic ideology and intended to wage jihad against US officials.

Medication and Mental Health

At the outset of the hearing, Bickford disclosed that he was taking three medications for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder. Judge P. Kevin Castel questioned Bickford, confirming that he was pleading guilty without any agreement with prosecutors.

Evidence and Intent

Assistant US Attorney Sarah Kushner presented evidence in the case, including the machete used in the attack and post-arrest statements made by Bickford. These statements indicated that Bickford specifically targeted the officers because they were military-age men. Kushner emphasized that Bickford intended to kill as many uniformed men as possible and believed the attack was unsuccessful because no one died.

Original Plan and Failed Attempt

Kushner revealed that Bickford had initially planned to travel overseas and fight alongside terrorists but later decided to carry out an attack in the United States instead. He had scouted Times Square prior to the attack, seeking the opportune moment to strike. Following the plea, Bickford was returned to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He still faces state charges related to the attack.

Trevor Bickford's guilty plea sheds light on a disturbing incident that occurred on New Year's Eve in New York City. The attack on NYPD officers highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for vigilance in protecting law enforcement personnel and the public. As the case progresses, further details may emerge, and the judicial process will determine the appropriate punishment for Bickford's actions.