North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley and the Fargo Police Department today (Thursday) released some of body cam video from last month’s fatal shooting incident.
Gunman Mohamad Barakat shot and killed Officer Jake Wallin as police were responding to a routine traffic crash. Two other officers were shot and injured as was a bystander. A fourth officer – Zach Robinson – shot and killed Barakat. Authorities have said the gunman appeared to have been planning a much larger attack.
The video footage from Officer Robinson’s shows how intense the situation was.
After the shooting, investigators found numerous guns, 1,800 rounds of ammunition, a homemade grenade and explosives in Barakat’s vehicle. Authorities also said Barakat’s internet queries over the past five years included “kill fast,” “explosive ammo,” “incendiary rounds,” “mass shooting events,” and one for “area events where there are crowds,” which brought up a news article with the headline, ”Thousands enjoy first day of Downtown Fargo Street Fair,” a day before the shooting.
An internal investigation ruled the shooting to be justified. Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski says Officer Robinson used extreme courage and valor on the scene.
The two officers that would wounded have been released from the hospital. Zibolski says Officer Robinson requested…and has returned… to street duty.