Donald Trump says 'happy' New York truck attacker should get death penalty

US president Donald Trump has said the suspect in the New York City truck attack that killed eight people should be given the death penalty.

Mr Trump expressed his feelings late on Wednesday, tweeting: "NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!"

NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017

Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system...

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017

...There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017

Federal prosecutors say in court papers that 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov asked to display the Islamic State group's flag in his hospital room.

Authorities said the Uzbek immigrant said "he felt good about what he had done".

Prosecutors have brought terrorism charges against Saipov.

They say the Islamic State group's online calls to action spurred him to launch the attack in lower Manhattan on Halloween.

AP