A student drove a car into a crowd of pedestrians at Ohio State University on Monday morning and then jumped out and stabbed several people with a butcher knife, injuring 11 people, before a police officer shot and killed the attacker, officials said.
Abdul Razak Ali Artan was shot and killed within minutes after ploughing into the group by a police officer with less than two years on the force, said Monica Moll, director of public safety for Ohio State University.
"It frankly took a piece out of everybody here at our beautiful Ohio State University that this could have happened here," Ohio Governor John Kasich said at a news conference.
A U.S. government official confirmed the assailant was from Somalia, 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident of the United States. A second government source said investigators had reason to believe the attacker at the campus in Columbus was a Somali refugee. Columbus, the state capital, has a large Somali population.
U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said intelligence agencies were assisting in the investigation.
"It bears the all of the hallmarks of a terror attack carried out by someone who may have been self-radicalised," Schiff said in a statement.
Another U.S. official told Reuters U.S. agencies are investigating the Columbus attacker’s background and motivations, but cannot clearly say yet whether he had any ties to suspected militant cells or groups.
The attack at the Columbus campus, which was initially reported by the university on Twitter as involving an "active shooter," drew a massive response of heavily armed police.
The suspect jumped the curb and used the vehicle to strike pedestrians in front of Watts Hall, Moll said.
The suspect left the vehicle armed with the knife and stabbed several others, Ohio State University Police Chief Craig Stone said.
"This was done on purpose,” Stone said.
Less than 2 minutes elapsed between the first call for help at 9:52 a.m. local time and the shots fired by campus police officer Alan Horujko, 28, Moll said.
The incident follows a stabbing attack in September at the Crossroads Mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where a man whose family came to the United States from Somalia wounded 10 people with a knife before he was shot to death by an off-duty police officer.
Authorities last month indicated the Minnesota attacker showed signs of radicalisation and a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent said his actions appeared to be "consistent with the philosophies of violent radical Islamic groups."
One person was critically injured in Monday's incident, Columbus fire officials said. Eleven people were treated at area hospitals, including 10 taken by ambulance.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center treated six victims, said Dr. Andrew Thomas, the chief medical officer. They included two with stab wounds and three others who had injuries from being hit with the vehicle.
Two other hospitals received five patients, who suffered from lacerations and injuries caused by the vehicle, Thomas said.
With nearly 60,000 students, the Columbus campus is the state's flagship public university.
CNN aired an image from a room at the university where students had barricaded a door with stacked chairs.
Columbus and university police continued their investigation with assistance from the FBI. The attack prompted university officials to warn students on Twitter to shelter in place.
Ohio State lifted the order shortly before noon EST (1700 GMT).
The university campus remained open, although classes were cancelled for the day.
President Barack Obama was briefed on the incident by Lisa Monaco, his homeland security adviser, said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
Reuters
Mon Nov 28 2016
Law enforcement officials are seen outside of a parking garage on the campus of Ohio State University as they respond to an active attack in Columbus, Ohio, on November 28, 2016. - Paul Vernon / AFP
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.