The scene of the 2017 New York City attack approximately an hour after the attack itself happened. The damaged school bus which the attacker's truck crashed into can be seen on the top left. This photo was taken from the 10th floor of Stuyvesant High School. (GH9449/Wikimedia photo)
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The Muslims of America, Inc. Offer Condolences to Families of Terror Attack Victims

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The Muslims of America, Inc. (TMOA) offer their sincere condolences to the families of the victims who are suffering the loss of their beloved family and friends.  On October 31, 2017 a truck ran into bicyclist on the west side of lower Manhattan in New York City, and is being called the “deadliest terror attack on New York City since 911”.  Eight people were killed and 11 others injured.  

The suspect, Sayfullo Saipov, a 29-year-old Uzbekistan native, was allegedly driving a rented pickup truck that subsequently crashed into a bus after mowing down the cyclist.  Witnesses say Saipov exited the truck and was running around looking confused and disoriented.  He carried what appeared to be a weapon in his hand, but in actuality was a fake firearm.  

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed that the investigation is ongoing, but that “We have no evidence yet of associations or a continuing plot or associated plots, and our only evidence to date is that this was an isolated incident that he himself performed.”

Prior to arrest, Saipov was shot in the abdomen by 28-year-old New York City officer Ryan Nash and was taken to the hospital where doctors performed surgery.  Saipov was said to be cooperating with police prior to being taken into the operating room, although the content of the information he shared has not been divulged to the public.  

A senior law enforcement official said that authorities found a note claiming the attack was made in the name of ISIS near the truck used in the attack, according to CNN.  ISIS is an anti –Islamic group that has killed more Muslims than any others. Statistics show that violent assaults against Muslims and those believed to be Muslim peak following terrorist attacks where the alleged perpetrator(s) are thought to be Muslim.

Muslims should not be blamed for the despicable acts committed by individuals that go against the precepts of Islam. Muslims know that Jesus, Son of Mary (Peace be upon them both), is the second-to- last messenger of Islam.  He is both revered and honored by Muslims.  Therefore, Muslims would never attack or kill his followers.  Any distortion of this truth erodes the fibers of faith and community that genuine Muslims cherish and hold dear.

TMOA and its members continue to offer their unwavering support to their country and fellow citizens. May Almighty God preserve us from such cowardly attacks and allow people of all faiths to fight against acts of terror, whether sponsored by Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists or others.