Akayed Ullah was sentenced in Manhattan federal court by Judge Richard J Sullivan.
“A life sentence is appropriate,” Judge Sullivan said.
“It was a truly barbaric and heinous crime.”
Akayed Ullah (New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission via AP)
Ullah, 31, apologised before hearing the sentence.
“Your honour, what I did, it was wrong,” he said.
“I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, I’m deeply sorry. … I do not support harming innocent people.”
Prosecutors had sought the life term for Ullah, saying the “premeditated and vicious” attack was committed on behalf of the so-called Islamic State group.