“Gunman Armed with ‘Binary Trigger’ Ambushes North Dakota Police, Leaving Officer Dead and Others Wounded”

“Gunman Armed with ‘Binary Trigger’ Ambushes North Dakota Police, Leaving Officer Dead and Others Wounded”

Last week in Fargo, North Dakota, a gunman ambushed police officers, utilizing a “binary trigger” that enabled him to fire rapidly, as revealed by authorities during a news conference on Friday.

The attacker, identified as Mohamad Barakat, wielded a .223-caliber rifle, which produced an automatic weapon-like sound due to its rapid firing capability, according to State Attorney General Drew Wrigley.

During the attack on July 14, Barakat killed one officer and injured two others and a civilian. However, the tragedy could have been even more catastrophic if it weren’t for the swift action of Officer Zach Robinson, who ultimately shot and killed the gunman, protecting nearby bystanders who cowered in fear.

The wounded officers fell one after another due to the sheer speed of Barakat’s fire. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but Wrigley stated that Barakat’s actions were driven by hatred and a desire to kill, without a specific target in mind.

Barakat had briefly undergone training as an emergency responder at a nearby community college, but he had no criminal record or social media presence and maintained limited contact with others.

On the day of the attack, Barakat packed a suitcase full of weapons and ammunition from his apartment into his car. He then encountered a fender bender about 2 miles away from his home, where he waited until officers and firefighters arrived at the scene to help. Seizing the opportune moment, Barakat opened fire on the officers as they passed by his parked vehicle, catching them off guard.

The speed of his assault left the officers with no time to react, and he managed to kill one officer and wound two others in the process. A bystander involved in the traffic collision was also struck by gunfire as she attempted to flee.

Officer Robinson, positioned approximately 75 feet away from Barakat, bravely confronted the assailant and eventually disabled his rifle after exchanging gunfire. His actions were instrumental in preventing further harm.

The gunfight lasted for about two minutes, longer than most such confrontations, as Robinson fired approximately 30 rounds, stopping only to reload. The situation could have been even more dire if not for the prompt response of emergency crews already present at the scene, providing immediate aid to the injured officers.

Investigators discovered additional weapons, a homemade hand grenade, loaded magazines, and gasoline canisters in Barakat’s vehicle, along with more weapons at his apartment.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney expressed concern over the abundance of ammunition found in Barakat’s possession, suggesting he may have been planning additional acts of violence in the community. Authorities believe the attack may have been the beginning of a mass shooting, as significant events like the Downtown Fargo Street Fair and the Red River Valley Fair were taking place.

As the investigation continues, the wounded officers are on the road to recovery, and preparations are underway for the funeral service of Officer Jake Wallin, who served in the Minnesota Army National Guard. The attack, which left the community in shock and grief, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers law enforcement officers face while protecting the public.

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More about Binary Trigger

• Gunman with ‘Binary Trigger’ Ambushes North Dakota Police – BBC News
• Fargo Police Shooting: Gunman’s Binary Trigger Enabled Rapid Fire – NBC News
• Fargo Gunman’s Motive Driven by Hate and Desire to Kill – KFGO News
• Officer Zach Robinson’s Heroic Intervention – Grand Forks Herald
• Details on the Fargo Police Shooting – Valley News Live
• Fargo Police Shooting Updates – INFORUM