On Thursday, the individual who assaulted three New York City police officers with a machete on New Year’s Eve in 2022 received his sentencing.
Trevor Bickford, aged 20, had previously pleaded guilty to federal charges in January.
He has now been sentenced to 27 years in prison.
According to prosecutors, Bickford traveled from Maine with the intention of executing a premeditated jihadist attack on uniformed officers. A complaint revealed that Bickford confessed to investigators that his attempt was unsuccessful because none of the officers lost their lives.
Although all three officers sustained serious injuries, one managed to halt Bickford’s assault by shooting him in the shoulder.
During his court appearance, Bickford conveyed remorse and offered apologies to the officers, their families, witnesses, and his own family.
“I owe an apology to the officers, their families, witnesses, and to my family,” he stated. “It’s my hope the victims can forgive me. Although I know it’s a tall order to ask.”
His legal representatives had advocated for a 10-year prison sentence, citing Bickford’s evident progress since his incarceration.
The officers who were assaulted also addressed the court, detailing their ongoing struggles, which some may characterize as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), following the traumatic incident.
Of note, it was revealed that one of the officers was on their first day of duty when the attack occurred.
The judge considered Bickford’s age of 19 at the time of the incident and his mental health history during sentencing.
Following the ruling, Bickford will be transferred to the federal medical center in Devens, Massachusetts, a facility designated for inmates necessitating long-term care.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented on the sentencing, stating, “Today’s sentence holds Trevor Bickford accountable for his premeditated 2022 terrorist attack in Times Square during which he attempted to kill three NYPD officers in a violent rampage.” Garland also commended the NYPD for their swift response and bravery in thwarting the New Year’s Eve attack.
Upon completion of his 27-year sentence, Bickford will be placed on supervised release.