Appeals Court Keeps Life Term For Times Square Bomber But Nixes ISIS Count
This week a federal appeals court upheld the Times Square bomber's life sentence but overturned the top count linking him to ISIS. The decision, handed down by a federal appeals panel, came after judges reviewed the bomber's convictions in New York's Times Square. It overturned the count that alleged he acted on behalf of the Islamic State, while leaving other terrorism and weapons convictions intact.
Because the remaining convictions carry life sentences, his prison term stays in place despite the overturned count. The ruling narrows legal findings about foreign terrorist-group connections but does not change the practical punishment in this case.
Reaction online split between those who saw the decision as a confirmation of a tough sentence and those who argued courts should be precise in labeling terror links. Legal analysts say the outcome could affect how prosecutors pursue ties to foreign groups in future terrorism cases.
📌 Key Facts
- The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Akayed Ullah’s life sentence for the failed 2017 Times Square subway bombing.
- The court reversed his conviction for providing material support to the Islamic State group, finding he acted independently without ISIS direction.
- Other convictions remain intact, so Ullah’s life term imposed by Judge Richard J. Sullivan in 2021 still stands.
- Judge Steven J. Menashi dissented on the material-support issue, saying the majority misread the statute and ignored trial evidence.
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