President Donald Trump on Wednesday night called for the suspect in Tuesday’s attack in New York City to face the death penalty, continuing his calls for the perpetrator to face harsh consequences for the attack that left eight dead and 11 injured.
NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017
Since the attack, Trump has been quick to call for changes to immigration procedures, as well as swift punishment for the suspect, Sayfullo Saipov, a 29-year-old who came to the U.S. legally from Uzbekistan in 2010.
On Wednesday afternoon, Trump told reporters in the White House that there should be “punishment that’s far quicker, and far greater, than the punishment these animals are getting right now.” Asked if he would consider sending the suspect to Guantanamo Bay, Trump said he would “certainly” consider it.
The President was also quick to blame the attack on the immigration system in the U.S., targeting the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. He called for an end to that program and has called several times for more intense “vetting” of immigrants.
Trump’s speedy reaction and calls for harsh punishment and policy changes differs from the tack he took in the wake of the Las Vegas shooting. In that instance, Trump often focused on the law enforcement response to the attack that left nearly 60 people dead. The White House also said it was “premature” to discuss changes to gun control policy a few days after the shooting.
