Trump canvasses death penalty for New York truck attacker

US President Donald Trump is of the opinion that the New York attacker who killed no less than eight people when he drove a truck down a popular Manhattan bike path, should face the death penalty.

Trump had suggested that the suspect Sayfullo Saipov, 29, who was charged in federal court on Wednesday with acting in support of the Islamic State militant group should be sent to Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba but he said on Thursday doing so would be too complicated.

Read also: BLACK HALLOWEEN: 8 killed in worst terror attack on NY since 9/11 as extremist mows down cyclists

“Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system,” Trump said on Twitter.

He added: “There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!”

The attack by the Uzbek immigrant considered the deadliest act of suspected terrorism to strike New York City since Sept. 11, 2001, was claimed by Islamic State online publication on Thursday.

It said in its weekly issue of Al-Naba newspaper that “the attacker is one of the caliphate soldiers.” It however did not give any evidence to support its claim.

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