Fargo police officer and suspect die in shooting

Fargo Police Department releases full statement on Friday night shooting:

The Fargo Police Department is identifying the names of those involved in the July 14, 2023 critical incident which occurred near 9th Avenue South and 25th Street South in Fargo.

Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin (WALL-een), a native of St. Michael, Minnesota, was fatally shot in the incident.  Wallin, a graduate of Alexandria Technical and Community College and an attendee of the American Military University, served in the Minnesota Army National Guard and had professional experience in the security sector. Jake was a graduate of Fargo Police Academy IV and became an FPD Officer on April 19, 2023. On that day, he was sworn into law enforcement by Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski and his badge was pinned onto him by his father, Jeff. Jake was in field training with the FPD at the time of his death. When asked to describe his interest in law enforcement, Jake stated that being an FPD Officer was an exciting opportunity to truly make a difference in this community. Officer Wallin was 23 years old.

Fargo Police Officer Andrew Dotas (DOH-tuss) is a six-year FPD team member. Dotas serves as an FPD Training Officer, a member of the Crowd Management Team, Red River Valley SWAT Negotiations Team and a department Motorcycle Officer. Dotas is also a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard.

Fargo Police Officer Tyler Hawes (HAH-zzz) was Wallin’s classmate in FPD Academy IV, becoming an FPD Officer on April 19, 2023; he is currently completing FPD field training. Hawes attended the University of Minnesota-Morris and graduated with a degree in Psychology. Prior to joining FPD, he worked as a Corrections Officer.

Dotas and Hawes sustained gunshot wounds and are currently in critical stable conditions with serious injuries at a local healthcare facility.

Fargo Police Officer Zachary Robinson, a seven-year FPD team member, stopped the threat by shooting and killing the suspect. Robinson was serving as Wallin’s Training Officer at the time of the incident. Robinson has been placed on paid administrative leave while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI) conducts an investigation into the use of force. The Fargo Police Department’s standard operating procedure is to place officers involved in officer-involved shootings on administrative leave until the investigation into the use of force has been completed.

A 25-year-old female Fargo resident was also shot during the critical incident. She was transported from the scene to a local healthcare facility with serious injuries.

Mohamad Barakat has been identified as the suspect in this incident. Barakat, a 37-year-old Fargo resident, was transported from the scene to a local healthcare facility where he later died.

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski shared, “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.”

The entire Fargo Police Department Team expresses our appreciation and gratitude to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, West Fargo Police Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol, North Dakota State University Police Department, Moorhead Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Fargo Fire Department, Sanford Ambulance, Red River Regional Dispatch Center, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minnesota State Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, Red River Regional Bomb Squad, Grand Forks Police Department, Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross for their assistance.

FPD is grateful for the support of our elected and appointed officials at the local, state and federal levels.

As the investigation progresses, information will be released as it becomes available.

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski:

Reaction:

Governor Doug Burgum:  “These officers dedicate their lives to protecting our fellow citizens and our communities, and we are heartbroken by this tragic loss.”

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer:  “I am praying for healing for the injured and grieving. We also celebrate with gratitude all of our police officers and families who sacrifice for our communities.”

U.S. Senator John Hoeven:  “We are praying for those injured and the entire Fargo Police Department. This tragic event is a reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officials face each and every day, and the enormous debt we owe them for their sacrifices to keep our communities safe.”