Ryan Nash. Photo: Victor Alcorn
The hero NYPD cop who shot down the accused bike-path terrorist on Halloween has spoken out for the first time since the fateful moment, telling reporters he was just doing his job.
“I feel we were just doing our job like thousands of officers do every day,” Officer Ryan Nash said Wednesday afternoon at a police station on Long Island near his home.
“I understand the importance of yesterday’s events and the role we played and I am grateful for the recognition we have received.”
Nash was on a routine call in Lower Manhattan, responding to an emotionally disturbed person, when alleged terrorist Sayfullo Saipov drove down a bike path on the West Side Highway, mowing down everyone in his path.
The quick-thinking cop left his post and ran after him, shooting him down before he could do anymore harm.
“I just want to thank my family and friends for their support and all the responding officers who assisted me,” Nash continued about the experience.
“However, due to the nature of the pending criminal case, I cannot make any further public statements about the incident at this time.”
Nash was taken to the hospital after the attack for tinnitus and has been recovering at his home in Patchogue. The NYPD has commended his efforts and he’s been hailed as a hero.