Sayfullo Saipov’s attorneys at the Federal Defenders of New York did not contest that Saipov committed the truck attack, but they argued that he did not do so because he believed the attack would help him join ISIS.

On that basis, they urged the jury to acquit Saipov on most of his charges, because he was charged with murder, attempted murder and assault all in aid of racketeering activity, along with provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.