City Remembers Victims Of Tribeca Terror Attack One Year Later

TRIBECA, NY — City officials commemorated the victims of the Tribeca terrorist attack Wednesday on the bike path where an ISIS-inspired truck driver mowed down eight and injured eleven last Halloween.

The driver, Sayfullo Saipov, rented the pickup truck and deliberately drove down the path near the West Side Highway before crashing into a school bus. Among the dead were five Argentinian friends vacationing in the city, a Belgian tourist, a New Jersey man and one New Yorker.

Mayor De Blasio mourned their loss against a backdrop of the U.S., Belgium and Argentinian flags, and praised New Yorkers' compassion after the attack as "one of the most moving things" he has ever seen.

"This is a day for mourning, this is a day for remembrance and also a day to appreciate the good in this city and the good in this world and the people who stand up to those who would divide us," De Blasio said.

Some two dozen survivors and loved ones of the victims gathered to honor their memory with a white rose wreath and a moment of silence. But the mayor forgot to list the names of the victims — after naming the politicians and first responders who showed — and returned to the podium minutes after the ceremony to apologize.

"I apologize. This should have been part of the gathering to read the names of the eight that we lost,” the Mayor said. “I want to right that wrong with apologies and do that now."

De Blasio then listed the names of the victims — Diego Enrique Angelini, Nicholas Cleves, Ann-Laure Decadt, Darren Drake, Ariel Erlij, Hernan Ferruchi, Hernan Diego Mendoza and Alejandro Damian Pagrucco.

The counsel Generals of Argentina and Belgium, along with NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill and emergency responders joined the Mayor at the morning memorial.

Saipov is awaiting trial on terrorism charges for what was the worst attack in New York City since Sept. 11, 2001. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

The ceremony was an emotional reminder to appreciate life and honor the memory of those who died that day, said one cyclist who survived the ordeal.

"I'm blessed and privileged to be alive," said Rachel Pharn, 27, of New Jersey who suffered nerve damage on her left side and a broken ankle and foot from the attack.

"I think because of that it’s an obligation for me to try and be the best I can for the people that lost their lives and for the people that are experiencing pain that they are unable to overcome."

Photo courtesy of the City of New York