Fatal Police Shooting Of Manassas Stabbing Suspect 'Justified': Police

MANASSAS, VA — The results of an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of a stabbing suspect at an apprenticeship training center in Manassas found the cops' action was justified.

Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham sought the investigation after two officers fatally shot a suspect on Feb. 13 at the apprenticeship training center for electrical and telecommunication workers in the 7000 block of Infantry Ridge Road. The regional Critical Incident Response Team made up of investigators from other law enforcement agencies in Northern Virginia concluded "the actions of both members involved were deemed justified and reasonable."

Police had responded after receiving a report of an active stabbing involving a suspect with a knife.

"It is clear our officers were responding to an active violence incident where information had indicated there were multiple victims," said Newsham. "Our officers responded heroically to an immediate threat and were unfortunately forced into a deadly encounter. Their actions should be commended as they focused on stopping the danger and treating victims."

Amy Ashworth, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County also found in a review that the fatal shooting was justified.

"In this incident, the danger posed by the direct actions of [the suspect] was real and posed an imminent threat of death or bodily harm to the officers, as well as other members of the community," said Ashworth. "The Officers fired their weapons in response to the suspect approaching them with a large knife in hand, as well as their knowledge of risk to specific members of the civilian community."

Both involved officers were put on paid administrative leave during the investigation and were cleared to return to full duties. Police said neither officer had been part of an officer-involved shooting or other use of deadly force before. The officers are assigned to patrol with five and 1.5 years of experience.

Police released additional details of the officer-involved shooting and preceding stabbings in light of the investigation's finding.

Around 3:23 p.m. on Feb. 13, police responded to multiple 911 calls about an active stabbing at the apprenticeship training center. The calls indicated that two people were stabbed and the suspect remained armed with a knife. Responding officers approached the building and found the suspect exiting. Police say the suspect had a knife and advanced toward the officers when they gave commands to drop the knife. Two officers opened fire, which fatally struck the suspect. The suspect was identified as Philip Austin Brant, 26, of Woodbridge.

Additional officers searched the building for victims. One of the victims collapsed in the classroom where the stabbing occurred, and the other left the building and collapsed in the parking lot. Both were taken to the hospital with multiple stab wounds. One victim, Elijah Islam Safadi 23, of Manassas, was pronounced dead. The other victim, a 23-year-old from Fairfax, survived.

Police investigation determined the stabbing was unprovoked and originated in a classroom. Brant approached one victim with a knife from his backpack and repeatedly stabbed the victim. Other students in the classroom dispersed, but Brant soon left the classroom and repeatedly stabbed a second victim, Safadi, in the hallway.

"My sincerest condolences go out to the families of Elijah Safadi and our surviving victim who continue to grieve and recover from this tragic, unnecessary incident," said Newsham.

A separate internal administrative review of the shooting will follow. The Use of Deadly Force Review Board will make a final decision on whether the fatal shooting followed police department policies.