NYC police: Hatchet attack was terrorist act. VIDEO... convert to Islam

New York City police are calling a brazen, broad-daylight attack by a hatchet-wielding man on a group of police officers an act of terrorism.

The suspect — Zale Thompson, 32 — attacked a group of four officers who had stopped to take a photo Thursday when a freelancer photographer approached them. The suspect charged at the group for no apparent reason, police said. Thompson was shot dead by one of the officers.

It appears Thompson — who converted to Islam two years ago — became "self-radicalized" and was inspired by terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, the New York Times reported.

The suspect first struck Meeker in the right arm, then went after Healy, striking him in the head, Bratton said.

"As he continued his assault, the remaining two officers then fired on the armed suspect who fell to the ground dropping the hatchet," Bratton said. "The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene."


John Miller, who oversees intelligence and counterterrorism for the NYPD, said recent online history showed Thompson had visited websites related to those terror groups, the Times reported.


[link to www.usatoday.com]

Last Edited by 2/3s of 2/3s on 10/25/2014 02:14 PM