Akayed Ullah: The Bangladeshi who wanted to watch Times-Square burn
Akayed Ullah, a 27-year old Bangladeshi man has emerged as a prime suspect in the New York Police Department's investigation into the recent Times Square bombing. NYPD Commissioner, James O' Neill revealed that Ullah "intentionally detonated a wearable explosive device" to trigger the explosion. Ullah is currently being treated at a Manhattan hospital. Officials also believe that he may have been inspired by ISIS.
New York: Explosion near Times Square; one detained, several injured
On December 11, a pipe bomb was detonated at the Port Authority bus terminal near New York's Times Square; several people were injured in the explosion. The New York Police Department stated that it was responding to the reports of an explosion of "unknown origin" in Manhattan. Passengers were being evacuated. Meanwhile, one person was reportedly in custody after the blast. Here's more.
Where did Ullah detonate the bomb?
Ullah detonated the explosive device, he was wearing, below the Port Authority transit terminal near Times Square. It is a subway and bus transport hub that serves 230,000 commuters daily, mostly from New Jersey and New York City.
How did Ullah immigrate to the US?
Ullah hails from Chittagong, Bangladesh and moved to the US in 2011. According to the White House spokeswoman, Sarah Sanders, he immigrated on an F43 visa, which is available to brothers/sisters of US citizens who hold an F41 visa. He reportedly held a taxi-driver's license between March 2012-2015, although he's not known to have driven a yellow taxi or Uber.
Sanders: 'Trump's immigration policies could have prevented this'
While Bangladesh hasn't so far been included in the travel ban, Sanders said that President Donald Trump wants to end "chain migration." Trump's immigration policies would "have prevented Ullah coming to the United States," she added.
