Apprenticeship Center Stabbing Survivor Supported By Fundraiser

MANASSAS, VA — A stabbing that led to the fatal police shooting of the suspect at a Manassas apprenticeship center has prompted a fundraiser for the surviving victim.

The Feb. 13 stabbing happened at an apprenticeship training center for electrical and telecommunication workers in the 7000 block of Infantry Ridge Road. Prince William County Police received a report of two people being stabbed in a classroom and that the suspect still had a knife. The suspect was fatally shot by two officers' gunfire, as police say the suspect moved toward officers with the knife.

Based on initial investigations, police believe the suspect had pulled a knife from a backpack and stabbed the first victim several times. Once the suspect left the classroom, he found and stabbed a second victim in another classroom. Both men were taken to the hospital, and one died of his injuries. The second remains hospitalized in critical condition.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Michael Baca, an apprentice training at the center. Thomas Myers, president of the IBEW Local 26 union for electrical workers, said Baca is recovering in serious condition and faces a long recovery.

"In addition to his physical recovery, Michael will forever bear the scars of this terrible day on his body and in his memory," Myers wrote. "Please help alleviate some of the concerns and burden he will inevitably face while recovering."

The deceased victim of the stabbing was identified as Elijah Islam Safadi, 23, of Manassas.

The deceased suspect was identified as Philip Austin Brant, 26 of Woodbridge.

The police-involved shooting is being independently investigated by a Critical Incident Response team by request of Police Chief Peter Newsham. Anyone with information can contact police at 703-792-7000 or submit a tip to pwcva.gov/policetip.