FARGO, N.D. — Police said an officer and suspect have both died following a shooting Friday in Fargo, North Dakota.
Update 4:49 p.m. EDT July 15: Fargo Police Department in a news conference Saturday afternoon identified the officer who was killed as Jake Wallin. Wallin joined the police department three months ago.
“The events of the last 24 hours have been among the most difficult in our department’s nearly 150-year history. This was a heinous and unthinkable act of aggression against our officers and the entire metro community. As we all try to comprehend what has transpired and mourn the impact on our team and the entire community, we are bracing for extremely difficult days ahead. We know that we are joined by our metro community in this process and that brings comfort to all of us. Our hearts are heavy, but I can assure you that we never take your support for granted; we can profoundly feel the fabric of this community in your actions, words of encouragement and acts of kindness. Together, we are and will remain the guardians of our Fargo community,” Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski said in the news conference, according to a news release from the City of Fargo.
The other two officers who were injured were identified as Officer Andrew Dotas and Officer Tyler Hawes, according to police.
Officer Zach Robinson was the officer involved in the shooting of the suspect, police say. The suspect has been identified as Mohamad Barakat, 37. He was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
City officials said that a 25-year-old woman was also shot during the incident and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgam shared condolences on Twitter.
“Kathryn and I pray for the officers, families and entire law enforcement community affected by today’s incident in Fargo,” Burgam said.
No motive has been released.
Original story: The shooting happened in a busy street area in Fargo around 3 p.m. Friday, according to The Associated Press.
In a news release, Fargo Police Department confirmed early Saturday morning that an officer has died from their injuries. Two other officers are in critical condition. Two civilians have serious injuries.
Police say the suspect has also died.
Witnesses told KVLY that the shooting happened after a traffic collision on 25th Street South by 9th Avenue South. Police have not yet released any details about what happened leading up to the shooting.
Witnesses say that they heard about 40 gunshots, according to the news outlet.
The identifications of the officers and the suspect have not yet been released pending next-of-kin notifications, according to the AP.
“We sincerely are asking for your patience and our community’s patience and understanding as the Fargo Police Department works through this incident,” Fargo’s Chief Communications Officer Gregg Schildberger said Friday night, according to the AP.
A press conference is expected around 3:30 p.m. CDT (4:30 p.m. EST) Saturday with additional information, police say.
