A tragic incident unfolded in Fargo when a man armed with an alarming arsenal launched a calculated attack on police officers, Your Content has learned.
The assailant, identified as Mohamad Barakat, 37, meticulously planned the ambush, having cased the scene beforehand. On the fateful day, Barakat opened fire on Officers Jake Wallin, Andrew Dotas, and Tyler Hawes before they could even react, tragically claiming the life of Officer Wallin and critically injuring Dotas and Hawes. Additionally, a bystander was also wounded in the attack.
Despite the chaos, Officer Zach Robinson displayed remarkable bravery and skill. From a distance of 75 feet (22.86 meters), Robinson managed to disable Barakat’s .223-caliber rifle using his 9mm handgun, leaving several rounds still in the magazine.
Robinson repeatedly ordered Barakat to surrender, but the assailant persisted, brandishing a handgun. In a confrontation lasting approximately two minutes, Robinson ultimately neutralized the threat, ending the rampage.
Authorities uncovered a shocking cache of weaponry inside Barakat’s vehicle. The inventory included 1,800 rounds of ammunition, three long guns, four handguns, multiple ammo magazines, explosives, canisters filled with gasoline, and a homemade hand grenade. Disturbingly, eight of the ammunition magazines were adorned with American flag stickers or decals.
Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney expressed concern over the magnitude of the ammunition stockpile found in Barakat’s possession, suggesting that he intended to inflict further harm upon the community. Investigations into the motive behind the attack are ongoing, with the FBI actively assisting.
Authorities plan to disclose additional details about the incident at a forthcoming news conference.
North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley provided a comprehensive account of the events, describing Barakat’s actions as an unprovoked ambush. Wrigley emphasized that Officer Robinson’s use of deadly force was both reasonable and justified.
In the aftermath of the attack, the focus shifted towards honoring Officer Wallin, with funeral arrangements set for Saturday in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota.
The devastating loss of Officer Wallin, a dedicated member of the Minnesota Army National Guard who had previously served in Afghanistan and Iraq, has sparked mourning and reflection. Governors of Minnesota and North Dakota have called for flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Wallin’s sacrifice.
As investigations continue, the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI are spearheading the case. Officer Robinson has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the completion of the standard investigation into his use of force, in accordance with Fargo police procedure.
This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the unwavering commitment they exhibit in protecting their communities, according to AP News.