Gunman who shot Fargo officers had 1,800 rounds, multiple guns, grenade in car, officials say

Authorities have revealed that the individual who attacked Fargo police officers, resulting in the death of one officer, possessed a significant arsenal consisting of 1,800 rounds of ammunition, multiple firearms, and a homemade hand grenade. The incident occurred last week and the details were shared by officials on Wednesday.

The assailant, identified as Mohamad Barakat, 37, opened fire on officers who were responding to a traffic accident. Officer Zach Robinson ultimately shot and killed Barakat, while Officer Jake Wallin lost his life in the attack. Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes sustained critical injuries and were hospitalized.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney expressed his concerns about the large quantity of ammunition found in the shooter’s vehicle, suggesting that it indicated a potential for further violence within the community.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley described the attack as “completely unprovoked.” He explained that Barakat began firing multiple rounds at the officers, initially using a long rifle and later arming himself with a 9mm handgun.

Wrigley further described how the shooter had observed and planned his ambush, waiting for the officers to approach before opening fire. Officer Robinson repeatedly ordered Barakat to drop his weapon before resorting to deadly force. According to Wrigley, Robinson’s actions were deemed reasonable, justified, and lawful.

Following the incident, authorities discovered a cache of weapons and explosives in Barakat’s vehicle, including 1,800 live rounds, three long rifles, four handguns, canisters filled with gasoline, and a homemade hand grenade.

Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski praised the swift response of firefighters and nearby medical personnel, as their immediate application of first aid potentially saved the injured officers’ lives.

In addition to the officers, a bystander was also shot and injured by Barakat. Shortly after the shooting, law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, conducted an investigation in a nearby residential area, evacuating residents to collect related evidence.

Zibolski revealed that there had been prior contact between the police and Barakat, although nothing of significant nature. The authorities are currently investigating whether the attack was premeditated and aimed at ambushing the officers.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation and FBI are actively involved in the investigation. Officer Robinson has been placed on paid administrative leave, following standard Fargo police procedure, pending the completion of the state authorities’ investigation into his use of force.

The funeral service for Officer Jake Wallin, 23, is scheduled for Saturday morning in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, with a private service to follow at a cemetery in Nisswa, Minnesota. Officer Dotas, a six-year veteran responsible for training officers, was also involved in the incident.

Both the Minnesota and North Dakota governors have directed the lowering of U.S. and state flags to half-staff until Saturday evening as a tribute to Officer Wallin. They have encouraged residents and businesses to follow suit.

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More about shooting incident

• Gunman who shot Fargo officers had 1,800 rounds, multiple guns, grenade in car, officials say
• Fargo police officers shot, 1 dead, 2 injured; shooter had ‘homemade hand grenade,’ officials say
• Fargo police officer ambush ‘absolutely unprovoked,’ North Dakota attorney general says
• Funeral service for Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin set for Saturday
• Flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin