Akayed Ullah
NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a Bangladeshi immigrant who set off a pipe bomb attached to his chest in New York City’s busiest subway station should face life in prison. They said in court papers filed Thursday that the attempted suicide bombing by Akayed Ullah, of Brooklyn in 2017 was a “premeditated and vicious” terror attack committed on behalf of the Islamic State group.
The government’s request comes a week after lawyers for Ullah argued in their own papers that he only deserves a mandatory 35-year prison term.
The morning of December 11, 2017, a homemade pipe bomb partially detonated in the subway station adjoining the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan at approximately 7:20 am. Four people were injured including the suspect. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio described the incident as “an attempted terrorist attack”
Ullah was hospitalized at Bellevue for his injuries following the attack for burns to his hands and torso.
Ullah was charged with possessing a criminal weapon, making terroristic threats, and supporting an act of terrorism. In November of 2018, he was found guilty on all counts.
Sentencing for Ullah is set for Thursday, April 8th.