Alleged NYC Attacker Wanted ISIS Flag in Hospital Room: FBI

Despite President Trump's talk of a military trial, Sayfullo Saipov was charged Wednesday in a civilian court in New York City, the New York Times reports. Prosecutors say the 29-year-old drove a rented Home Depot truck down a bicycle and pedestrian path Tuesday, killing eight people. According to USA Today, Saipov was charged with providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, as well as violence and destruction of motor vehicles. Saipov could face the death penalty, the AP reports.

The charges filed against Saipov state he was inspired by ISIS videos regarding the killing of Muslims in Iraq, and investigators say they recovered a cellphone with Islamic State propaganda on it. Court papers state Saipov requested to have the ISIS flag displayed in his hospital room, where he is recovering after being shot by police. The criminal complaint against Saipov states he started planning the attack a year ago, decided to use a truck two months ago, and picked Halloween because he thought more people would be on the street for the holiday. An FBI agent says Saipov searched the internet for information about Halloween in New York and rented a truck on Oct. 22 to practice making turns. (More Sayfullo Saipov stories.)