FBI Investigating Terror Motive in Virginia Knife Attack

ROANOKE, VA — The FBI is reportedly investigating whether the suspect in a knife attack Saturday was inspired by ISIS, according to an ABC News report. Witnesses reportedly claim the man shouted "Allah Akbar," or God is great, in what may have been an attempt to behead the victim.

Wasil Farooqui, 20, of Roanoke, was charged by Roanoke County Police with two counts of malicious wounding and is being held without bond at Western Virginia Regional Jail.

The FBI confirms it is investigating the attack in a statement to ABC, but it provided no additional information.

"While I cannot discuss details of the investigation at this time, I do want to reassure the community that we are working to determine the nature of the incident," stated Special Agent In Charge Adam Lee, the head of the FBI’s Richmond field office.

Roanoke County Police told the Roanoke Times the attack appeared to be random and that Farooqui has no connections to the victims.

Police received a call Saturday around 8 p.m. that a man and a woman had been stabbed at The Pines Apartments in the 4300 block of Banbury Lane while entering the apartment building.

The man fought off the attacker, who then fled and went to a local hospital for treatment of injuries he received during the incident. He matched the description of the suspect, and following further investigation, was arrested.

The two victims were hospitalized but their conditions are unclear.

Last month, there were three separate incidents in the span of two weeks involving people with potential ISIS-related motives.

Yusuf Wehelie, 25, of Fairfax County, was arrested on weapons charges. An FBI agent testified that Wehelie had spoken of wanting to join ISIS or attack a U.S. military recruiting facility.

That comes on the heels of a man scouting and photographing various D.C. landmarks and another who unsuccessfully tried to purchase weapons. Burke resident Haris Qamar was arrested on charges of attempting to provide material support and resources in support of ISIS. Officials say he wanted to photograph well known sites in the District that would be used in an ISIS recruiting video.

Meanwhile, Loudoun County resident Mohamad Bailor Jalloh was arrested July 3 and is accused of planning a terrorist attack in support of ISIS.

Photo: Roanoke County Police