Fargo Mass Shooter Searched For Crowds Before Ambush: Investigators

FARGO, ND — Mohamad Barakat searched the internet for crowded events in Fargo before firing on several police officers, ultimately killing one from Minnesota, according to investigators.

Barakat, 37, also searched "explosive ammo" and "kill fast" online, authorities said.

After ambushing several officers from about 15 feet away on the afternoon of July 14, Barakat was shot and killed by another officer.

A Syrian national, Barakat came to the U.S. on an asylum request in 2012. He became a U.S. citizen in 2019.

Barakat was angry and motivated to kill but didn't care which group or person he would target, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said at a news conference Friday. He did not have any known ties to the Muslim community in Fargo and likely acted alone, Wrigley added.

Firing from inside his car, Barakat shot and killed Officer Jake Wallin. The 23-year-old was a Minnesota National Guardsman from St. Michael. He and other officers were responding to a minor traffic crash on a busy Fargo street when they were fired upon.

Barakat — not involved in the traffic incident — also shot Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes. They remain hospitalized in critical condition.

A bystander was also shot twice while trying to run away from the gunfire. The woman survived.

Barakat was about 15 feet away from the officers when he ambushed them, according to authorities.

Amid the chaos, Officer Zach Robinson "disabled" Barakat’s .223 -caliber rifle with a shot from 75 feet away, according to police.

Robinson moved closer and — after ordering Barakat to drop the gun 16 times — shot and killed the gunman, investigators said.

The entire confrontation lasted about two minutes, according to authorities.

"In the wake of Mohamad Barakat’s murderous, unprovoked attack, Officer Zach Robinson’s use of deadly force was reasonable, it was necessary, it was justified, and in all ways, it was lawful," Wrigley said at a conference earlier this week.

"Mohamad Barakat engaged in a savage attack," the attorney added, stating that the man "unleashed what can only be described fairly as a murderous barrage of fire. But that isn’t to say it wasn’t precise. In fact, it was."

Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at state buildings in honor and remembrance of Wallin.

"Sergeant Jake Wallin was a dedicated member of the Minnesota National Guard and the Fargo Police Department who was respected by his family, friends, and colleagues," reads the proclamation issued by Walz.

"With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Sergeant Wallin for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans and North Dakotans, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community."

Wallin was in the field for officer training when he was shot and killed. He had become a Fargo police officer less than three months ago.

Previously, Wallin served in the Minnesota Army National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan.

Minnesota residents and businesses are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.