Trump calls for death penalty for New York terror suspect

Donald Trump has called for the suspect in Tuesday’s terror attack in New York to be given the death penalty, as the fallout from the incident continues.

Sayfullo Saipov is alleged to have been responsible for driving a truck down a cycle path in the city on Tuesday in an attack which left eight people dead and many more injured.

The Uzbek native was shot at the scene of the crime by police and later told the authorities he was inspired by militant group Islamic State.

Trump had initially said the US should send Saipov to Guantanamo Bay, before revising his thoughts via Twitter.

"Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system…," Trump wrote.

"There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!"

Legal experts have argued that Trump’s statements could jeopardise the case against the alleged attacker, potentially inviting prejudice and thus an unfair trial.

Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system...

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017

...There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017