NYC terror attack suspect pleads not guilty to charges

The man accused of the deadliest attack on New York City since 9/11 pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of murder and other crimes.

On Nov. 21, a U.S. District Court indicted Sayfullo Saipov with eight counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder, one count of providing material support to the Islamic State, and one count of violence and destruction of a motor vehicle resulting in death, Fox News reported.

Saipov, who was represented by a court-appointed lawyer, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick in Manhattan. His lawyer declined to comment after the hearing, according to The Guardian.

Court documents revealed that the Uzbekistan-born suspect told investigators that the Islamic State videos inspired the attack and that "he felt good about what he had done."

What happened?

The Halloween day attack left eight people dead and 12 injured when authorities say Saipov rented a Home Depot truck and plowed down a bike path in Manhattan along the Hudson River, striking pedestrians and bicyclists.

The attack ended when police shot the 29-year-old after he crashed the vehicle into a school bus.

Saipov, while hospitalized from his injuries, asked to hang an Islamic State flag in his hospital room, according to a criminal complaint filed in a Manhattan federal court. Authorities denied his request.

The suspect, who lived in New Jersey and worked as an Uber driver, also told authorities he planned the attack for at least a year.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

The victims include a Belgian woman, a New Yorker and a New Jersey man. Five Argentinians also died in the attack. They were part of a group visiting New York to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation.

When is Saipov's next hearing?

Saipov, who is a married father of three, is expected back in court on Jan. 23.

The most serious charges carry a possible death penalty, but it isn't clear whether prosecutors will seek it.