NYC terror suspect drove for Uber

Saifullo Saipov the man accused of driving a rental truck into a group of pedestrians and cyclists in New York was a driver with Uber. is

The Guardian said that Uber confirmed that Saipov passed the background check to become one its drivers.

A 29-year-old Uzbekistan national, Saipov, is of Uzbek descent, and was shot in the stomach before being arrested. He lived in New Jersey.

At least eight people were killed and 11 others injured in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon local time after a gunman in a truck plowed through a busy bike path, an incident the United States termed as an "act of terrorism".

Uber has released a statement on the incident saying, "We are horrified by this senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with the victims and their families. We have reached out to law enforcement to provide our full assistance."

The Guardian report said Saipov has now been banned from the app.

Saipov has undergone surgery and remains in critical condition in hospital, but is expected to survive.


Image: Saifullo Saipov. Pic courtesy: St Charles County, Department of Corrections.