Boy Claimed Terrorist Motives After Stabbing Cop In Burlington Co.: Prosecutor

FLORENCE, NJ — A juvenile claimed he wanted to promote terrorism by killing a cop when he stabbed and wounded a police officer last year in Florence Township, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

Fasihullah Safar, 17, stabbed a Florence Township police officer multiple times in the chest area last March at the scene of a crash that the suspect caused, prosecutors said.

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Safar — of Alexandria, Virginia — pleaded guilty Thursday to attempted murder. He will be sentenced to 18 years in prison as part of a plea deal, prosecutors said.

During court proceedings, Safar said he wanted to join the Islamic State terrorist organization in the months leading up to the attack, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office:

"Safar told the court that in the months leading up to the confrontation with police, he had begun following the Islamic State terrorist organization, formerly referred to as ISIS. He indicated on social media that he planned to join the group, and stated that becoming a terrorist would enable him to defend his religion.

In response to questioning from his public defender, Safar admitted to screaming 'Allahu akbar' during the scuffle, and acknowledged that his intention was to promote terrorism by killing one of the officers."

"Allahu akbar" is an Arabic phrase used by Muslims across the world to praise God in different contexts. Muslims have denounced the phrase's usage as a battle cry in acts of terrorism.

Jon Philip, a public defender representing Safar, told Patch that "Mr. Safar will not comment on allegations or characterizations in a case that remains pending before the court. He respects the judicial process and his right to a fair adjudication, and all matters will be addressed through the appropriate legal proceedings."

FBI Involvement, Virginia Search

Days before the stabbing in New Jersey, Safar had been missing out of Virginia. He was seen trespassing March 19 at a high school in Fredericksburg — about an hour south of Washington, D.C. — according to the Virginia city's police department.

Safar fled school grounds when a school resource officer approached him, police said. The next day, the FBI's Washington Field Office told Fredericksburg police that they were trying to find him.

Safar had also stolen a vehicle, according to Fredericksburg police.

"Information received from the FBI aided in our identification of this offender and elevated our concern for safety in our schools," said the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Fredericksburg schools were closed March 21 in an abundance of caution. Safar was arrested later that day in New Jersey.

It's unclear why the FBI was searching for Safar, or whether the agency ever investigated him for terrorism or any other criminal matters.

"We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation," Lira Gallagher, a spokesperson for the FBI's Washington Field Office, told Patch.

Safar has not been charged with a federal offense in any publicly available court documents.

Crashes, Stabbing In New Jersey

Florence police responded to a hit-and-run crash March 21 that overturned a vehicle, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

Safar had caused the initial crash and fled the scene, prosecutors said. He returned, struck a Florence police patrol vehicle multiple times, and fled the premises again.

The suspect vehicle broke down on Route 130 near Station Road. When additional officers arrived, Safar charged toward them while "aggressively swinging a knife," prosecutors said.

Safar stabbed an officer multiple times in the chest area, prosecutors said. The officer's vest prevented more-significant injuries.

While Safar resisted arrest, another officer sustained facial injuries while a third officer had a laceration to his torso, prosecutors said. All three wounded officers were treated at the hospital and released.

Safar was jailed in Middlesex County, which has a juvenile-detention facility.

Criminal Proceedings

The case was elevated from juvenile court in September, which allowed authorities to publicly release Safar's name.

Safar pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, and third-degree counts of aggravated assault on an officer and theft of a motor vehicle.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 26.

The prosecutor's office, Florence police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness conducted the investigation.

"Violence driven by hatred or intolerance has no place here and will be met with the full force of the law," said County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw. "The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to protecting every resident from violent and hateful acts."