In a shocking turn of events, a 20-year-old man from Wells, Maine, has pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges for a machete attack on three NYPD officers near Times Square on New Year's Eve in 2022. Trevor Bickford admitted to three counts each of attempted murder of officers and employees of the U.S. government and assault of officers and employees of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. During a court hearing in New York City, Bickford confessed to U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel that he had attempted to kill three officers with a knife. He expressed remorse, stating, "I know what I did was wrong, and I am sorry."

The incident occurred at around 10 p.m. on December 31, 2022, when Bickford targeted the officers near Times Square. He initially tried to strike one officer in the head and then proceeded to attack two other officers with the machete. One of the officers managed to shoot Bickford in the shoulder, ending the assault. Fortunately, both injured officers recovered, with one suffering a fractured skull and the other receiving treatment for a deep cut.

Bickford revealed that he had traveled to New York City with the intention of carrying out the attack in the name of jihad. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams condemned Bickford's actions, stating, "Bickford targeted the iconic yearly celebration to carry out brazen acts of violence and hatred in the name of jihad." Williams emphasized that Bickford would now face a lengthy prison sentence for his acts of terrorism.

According to prosecutors, Bickford faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count, totaling a potential sentence of 120 years. He is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on April 11. The guilty plea marks a significant step in holding Bickford accountable for his violent and extremist actions.