White House considers NYC terror suspect an 'enemy combatant'

After President Donald Trump raised the possibility of sending the alleged perpetrator of the New York City vehicular attack to Guantanamo Bay prison, the White House press secretary said the administration considers him to be an "enemy combatant."

"I believe we would consider this person to be an enemy combatant," Sarah Sanders said in response to questioning at Wednesday's White House press briefing.

As an "enemy combatant," Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in the attack, could face an altered interrogation and prosecution process.

Trump earlier condemned the United States criminal justice system and labeled Saipov an "animal."

"We have to come up with punishment that's far quicker and far greater than the punishment these animals are getting right now," Trump said. He added: "What we have right now is a joke" before responding affirmatively when asked if he wanted the alleged assailant to be sent to the Cuban prison notorious for housing alleged terrorists and enemy combatants.

"I would certainly consider it. Send him to Gitmo," he said, using a nickname for Guantanamo Bay. "I would certainly consider it."

The president further signaled his intention to "terminate the diversity lottery program," the visa lottery under which Saipov was admitted from Uzbekistan seven years ago. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Saipov utilized the program Wednesday. Trump said he would be asking Congress to "get rid of" the policy in favor of a "merit-based program."

Read more at ABC