In the wake of NYC terrorist attack, Trump says he's ordered increased 'Extreme Vetting'

President Donald Trump has requested for a heightened vetting program following Tuesday's terrorist attack in New York.

@realDonaldTrump: I have just ordered Homeland Security to step up our already Extreme Vetting Program. Being politically correct is fine, but not for this!

Trump signed an executive order in January that imposed tighter screening on foreigners entering the U.S., known as extreme vetting. At the time, he called the measure a safeguard against terrorism. Recently, he attempted to enforce an open-ended ban on citizens from eight countries, including Iran, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.

Many of the president's actions regarding travel and immigration — including three attempts to ban travelers from certain countries — have been met with legal resistance and unfavorable court rulings.

His remarks on Tuesday came after a motorist struck several people earlier in the day, leaving at least eight people dead and a dozen injured. NBC News reported the attacker's name is Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, an Uzbek national who entered the U.S. in 2010. After being shot in the abdomen by a police officer, the suspect was taken to a hospital, where he refused to answer an initial round of questions, according to NBC News.

Tuesday's incident was done for ISIS, according to a note law enforcement officials found, WNBC reported.

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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there's no evidence to suggest there's a wider threat or plot, warning that people will still see more security forces out of caution.

In a separate tweet, the president referred to the suspect as a "sick and deranged person."

@realDonaldTrump: In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!

Later, the president also expressed his condolences for the victims and their families.

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First lady Melania Trump tweeted, "My heart breaks for #NYC today. Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation."

@FLOTUS: My heart breaks for #NYC today. Thoughts & prayers as we monitor the situation.

In an official statement released by the White House, Trump said his administration "will provide its full support to the New York City Police Department," including a joint investigation with the FBI, for the "cowardly attack."

— CNBC's Angelica Lavito contributed to this report.