Heavily armed individual assaulted police, resulting in officer fatality. What was his objective?

A seemingly typical car accident on a bustling street in Fargo suddenly took a deadly turn when Mohamad Barakat, armed with 1,800 rounds of ammunition, multiple firearms and a grenade, passed by the scene.

The horrifying incident, which took place on July 14, left one police officer dead and two other officers, along with a civilian involved in the initial crash, wounded. This led law enforcement to ponder the extent of the devastation Barakat may have intended to inflict.

Officer Zach Robinson, the lone officer to escape injury during the onslaught, shot Barakat dead, whilst onlookers ducked for cover nearby. Additional information is expected to be released at a press briefing on Friday.

Barakat, a 37-year-old who had briefly trained as an emergency responder at a local community college, had no criminal history and did not maintain a presence on social media.

Witnessing the collision, Barakat capitalized on the occupied police and fire services. He subtly positioned himself, evaluating his chance to strike, according to North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, who provided reporters with an updated report on the events.

Barakat strategically parked and observed, waiting for the opportune moment when the officers distanced themselves. He then brandished a .223-caliber rifle from his vehicle and initiated an unprovoked attack, described by Wrigley as a “relentless hail of bullets”.

Wrigley emphasized the officers did not have sufficient time to draw their weapons in response to Barakat’s swift gunfire.

Barakat, a resident of a nearby apartment complex, utilized a high-capacity magazine. His assault resulted in the death of Officer Jake Wallin, a 23-year-old veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and critically injured Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes. Both Wallin and Hawes were rookies, still in the midst of field training.

Karlee Koswick, a bystander involved in the initial collision, was also injured during the violent outburst.

Officer Robinson, positioned approximately 75 feet (23 meters) from Barakat, was the only barrier preventing further catastrophe. He bravely maneuvered from behind a car at the accident scene and engaged Barakat, effectively disabling his rifle after 40 rounds had been fired, leaving 20 unused.

“We have three officers down; send everybody,” Robinson communicated over the radio after identifying his fallen colleagues.

A wounded Barakat, sheltered by his vehicle, brandished a 9 mm handgun. Despite Robinson’s persistent calls for surrender, Barakat refused to comply. Robinson was ultimately forced to shoot Barakat, a move Wrigley deemed “justified.”

The gunfire exchange, although only lasting about two minutes, was longer than most, according to Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski. Robinson had to pause to reload after firing approximately 30 rounds.

The scene could have been even grimmer had there not been emergency services already present. “As soon as the firing stopped, firefighters bounced out and were applying first aid immediately to our officers,” Zibolski said.

Prior to the attack, Barakat had transported a suitcase filled with weapons from his apartment. Upon investigating his vehicle, authorities discovered a homemade grenade, a vest with loaded magazines, additional firearms and gasoline canisters. More weaponry was found at his residence.

The sheer amount of ammunition in Barakat’s possession led Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney to comment on the potential for even more widespread destruction.

Officials speculate the attack could have been a prelude to a mass shooting as significant public events were ongoing in the area. Barakat’s exact targets and motives remain unclear, but the magnitude of his preparation suggests a horrifying intent.

As federal and state criminal investigation units delve into the case, the wounded continue to recover in stable or good conditions. A memorial service for Officer Wallin, whose body was cremated in his uniform, is scheduled for Saturday.

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More about Fargo police assault

• CNN: Man with thousands of bullets and a grenade attacked police, killing officer
• ABC News: Fargo police chief provides update on deadly shooting
• AP: Man killed in Fargo police shootout was heavily armed
• Valley News Live: Funeral service planned for fallen Fargo officer
• KFGO: Police shooting in Fargo leads to investigation
• KX News: Suspected attacker had no criminal record
• InForum: Wounded officers in stable condition