MAN ACCUSED OF TERRORIST ATTACK FACING 22 CHARGES

On Nov. 21, a grand jury handed down an indictment featuring 22 charges against the 29-year-old man accused of killing eight people in a New York terror attack. It was believed that the New Jersey resident became inspired by an ISIS video.

The attack occurred in lower Manhattan on Oct. 31. Authorities said that the man rented a Home Depot truck and drove from New Jersey into the city. When he reached the West Side Highway, he reportedly turned onto a bicycle path, striking multiple people before driving the truck into a school bus. The man then allegedly left the truck with handguns. He was eventually shot by a police officer, ending the attack. In addition to the eight people who were killed, an additional 12 individuals suffered injuries.

The charges included eight counts of murder in aid of racketeering, 11 counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, one count of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of violence and destruction of motor vehicles that resulted in death. For many of these charges, the consequences could be a maximum of life imprisonment or death.

Those who are facing serious violent crimes, including murder, could potentially be convicted on the charges, resulting in legal consequences that may include life in prison. However, even someone who is facing assault allegations and serious consequences is allowed to obtain legal representation. A criminal law attorney may review the evidence for any inconsistencies put forth by the prosecution. If the prosecution has a strong case against an accused person, the attorney might negotiate less severe charges, potentially resulting in less severe legal consequences.