ABC News is reporting that the FBI has opened a terrorism investigation into the stabbing of a man and woman at an apartment complex in Roanoke, Va., on Saturday, believing the attack was possibly a beheading attempt.
NEW: FBI launches terrorism probe after possible ISIS-inspired knife attack in Virginia. https://t.co/XKuZpL6q3M pic.twitter.com/cVGPiYgNRW
— ABC News (@ABC) August 23, 2016
Wasil Farooqui, 20, was arrested Saturday on charges of assault with malicious wounding. Sources told ABC News that Farooqui yelled “Allah Akbar” as he attacked the man and woman with a knife. WSLS reports that both victims were severely injured, but the man was able to fight off the attacker. All three were hospitalized, although Farooqui reportedly walked into the emergency room of the same hospital where the victims were being treated, saying he’d injured himself.
Sources:FBI investigating weekend stabbing in Virginia as possible ISIS-inspired attack, looking at whether attacker wanted to behead victim
— Mike Levine (@MLevineReports) August 23, 2016
ABC News reports that “authorities believe [Farooqui] may have been trying to behead the male victim, who was likely picked at random.” Farooqui traveled to Turkey within the past year and may have tried to sneak into Syria, sources said.
Traveled to Turkey, tried to enter Syria. Attempted to decapitate man & woman while yelling Allahu akbar! Motive? Whadda you think?
— nancy cox (@NeerSayNever) August 23, 2016
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