Timothy caughman

James Jackson is the first person ever to be convicted of murder as an act of terrorism in the state of New York.

Video of his police confession was played during a pre-trial hearing on Thursday.

'Timothy was a man, a man who lived life to fullest, a man who believed in the things that should inspire us all.'

He now faces the possibility of a mandatory life sentence without parole.

Police say Caughman's killer admitted his hatred for black men, and intention to kill them.

James Jackson, who cops say served in the US military in Afghanistan, was allegedly "roaming through the streets" of Manhattan looking for a black man to attack.