Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a 20-year-old Somali refugee attending the Ohio State University, has been identified as the suspect who reportedly launched a violent attack on the OSU campus earlier today.
The attack, which left nine people injured, started at 9:52 A.M. when authorities say the suspect plowed through pedestrians with a car, then ran into the chemical engineering building on campus. According to several news reports, he jumped out of the car with a knife and gun, and immediately started shooting. However, it later came out that Artan was not actually carrying a gun despite the university’s initial claims. Armed swat teams arrived shortly after and students were asked to shelter in place.
Here's confirmed suspect Abdul Razak Ali Artan in the Lantern 3 months ago: pic.twitter.com/QS3rn71oQ1
— Kaitlin (@KaitFochesato) November 28, 2016
Initial rumors said there were two suspects involved in the attack, but police later confirmed that Abdul Razak Ali Artan was the only suspect. He was killed by police during the attack. Reports say that Artan drove his car into a group of students who left school during a fire drill. It remains unknown if the suspect pulled the alarm himself. He then slashed multiple students with a butcher knife.
https://twitter.com/LeahRBoss/status/803292135256690688
UPDATE: A 20-year-old Somali man is the suspect in the Ohio State University attack https://t.co/G7ANHT8lbn pic.twitter.com/kdOzF7aWiV
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 28, 2016
“We are very fortunate that an OSUPD officer was there and took quick action,”university Police Chief Craig Stone said. Columbus Police Chief Chief Kim Jacobs, whose officers also responded to the attack, added that the motive of terrorism has not been ruled out. “That’s why our federal partners are here and helping,” she said.
According to White House press secretary Josh Earnest, President Barack Obama was briefed on the incident by Homeland Security Adviser Lisa Monaco, and FBI agents in Columbus are currently assisting with the investigation.
President-elect Donald Trump responded to the tragedy on Facebook roughly two hours ago.
“Watching the news unfold at Ohio State University. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the students and administration,” he wrote. “Excellent job by the Ohio State University Emergency Management Team (OSU_EMFP) in immediately notifying students & faculty via social media with the message: ‘Buckeye Alert: Active Shooter on campus. Run Hide Fight. Watts Hall. 19th and College.’ THANK YOU to all FIRST RESPONDERS who reacted immediately and eliminated the threat on campus.”
People have started to respond to the news on Twitter.
The OSU shooter was a Somali Refugee… How can anybody justify letting in refugees when stuff like this happens?
— Brett Emery (@Brett__Emery) November 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/Aye_Fonz0/status/803327508192038913
https://twitter.com/CammStride/status/803325909008809984
For sure the leftists wanted the #OSU knifer to be a White male shooter #EpicFail
— Conservatopia Mayim Chayim (@WTPatty) November 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/UrbnConservativ/status/803324266360016896
So the OSU shooter was a Somali refugee which are predominantly Muslim. Let the racist card begin 😞
— Mr. Damon Taccone (@AbsoluteDirty) November 28, 2016
What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.
