UPDATE 3 - 8 dead in New York ‘cowardly act of terror

ADDS HOMELAND SECURITY STATEMENT IN GRAF 9

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Eight victims were killed Tuesday after a motorist drove onto a pedestrian and cycling path near the West Side Highway in New York City in an "act of terror", according to officials.

Six of the deceased, all males, died at the scene. Two victims died in a local hospital, Fire Department Commissioner Daniel Nigro said at a news conference.

More than a dozen others were injured.

"This is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude," Police Commissioner James O'Neil told reporters.

Police said the suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, exited the vehicle after striking multiple victims and a school bus. The suspect was shot in the abdomen after displaying "imitation firearms", police said.

"This was an act of terror, and a particularly cowardly act of terror," said Mayo Bill de Blasio. "New Yorkers do not give in in the face of these kinds of actions."

President Donald Trump also weighed in, writing on Twitter the attack "looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!"

Police urged the everyone to stay away from the intersection of Chambers Street and West Street and said many emergency responders are expected to be in the area that is near the Freedom Tower.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement that said it is “closely monitoring the situation and working with our federal, state and local partners in responding to and investigating this tragedy.”

Additional police are expected to be deployed in the U.S.'s largest city as Americans prepare to celebrate Halloween.

A video purporting to be of the scene of the attack shows at least three victims lying on the ground.

The ambush is the first fatal terror attack in New York since Sept. 11, 2001.