Times Square, New York. (ozgurdonmaz/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Man Accused of Plotting to Kill Police in Time Square, New York

A man who was accused of plotting an attack on police in Time Square was arrested on Thursday (6/6). Ashiqul Alam, 22, a New Yorker from Jackson Heights of Queens was charged with illegally purchasing two semi-automatic pistols Glock 19 nine-millimeter from undercover law enforcement officers.

According to the federal officials, Alam was praising Osama Bin Laden during his meeting with the undercover officials. He expressed support for the 9/11 attacks on New York’s World Trade Center Towers as well as Islamic State militant group, and also discussed the plotting to kill police officers and civilians by using explosive suicide vest for the attack.

The case is handled by US District Court in Brooklyn and he was expected to appear in his trial on Friday (6/7).

Despite the security from heavily armed police, this one of the most popular tourist spots in the US has been targeted by at least two bomb attacks in recent years. In 2010, a Pakistani-American citizen pleaded guilty to attempt in plotting car bomb in Time Square. The perpetrator admitted that he received training from the Pakistani Taliban for making the bomb. The group known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has also funded the plot. However, the police succeeded to thwart the bomb attempt and the man was sentenced to life in prison.

Another attempt was set in December 2017 when the Bangladeshi man set off a homemade pipe bomb attached to his body near Time Square in a crowded underground pedestrian tunnel. The man was convicted of support to a terrorist group and the use of mass destruction weapon.

Even though many attacks have threatened New York City but tourists still find it safe to travel as they believe sometimes safety issues are exaggerated in mainstream media.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/new-york-man-plotted-to-kill-police-in-times-square--prosecutors-say-11607390