Gunman shot by police had apparent plans for a mass shooting in Fargo

(FARGO) – North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley says Mohamed Barakat, the man who was shot and killed by a Fargo police officer Friday, was armed with explosives, guns, a homemade grenade and 1,800 rounds of ammunition.

“In the wake of Mohamed Barakat’s murderous, unprovoked attack. Officer Zach Robinson’s use of deadly force was reasonable. It was necessary. It was justified and in all ways it was lawful,” said Wrigley. “To our knowledge at this point, they were legally purchased. We don’t have other information. The investigation continues on. He was not a prohibited person.”

Barakat was shot by Officer Zach Robinson shortly after Barakat opened fire on three other Fargo police officers along S. 25th St.

“He absolutely ambushed them from inside that vehicle,” said Wrigley. “They had no way to know. He had access to the many weapons in the vehicle, all of which were loaded. He jumped out and went around. You can also see in that vehicle, some of the other contents. We’re going to talk in detail on Friday. There were explosives in there. There were canisters of gasoline in there.”

Wrigley said Robinson was “the last man standing,” and that his actions stopped what apparently was going to be a mass shooting in Fargo.

“He was literally the last man standing. The last man standing between what was coming next and see what this assailant was armed for.” said Wrigley.

Wrigley says Robinson shot Barakat after ordering him at least 16 times, “hands up hands up, put down the gun.”

“He had no choice but to end the threat and he did,” Wrigley said.

“He also shows great restraint,” said Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski. “Each phase, he gave this individual, multiple, multiple opportunities to surrender. This suspect was dead set on committing to fire, harm and shoot people.”

Twenty-three-year-old Officer Jake Wallin died. Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes were hospitalized in critical condition.

Twenty-five-year-old Karlee Koswick, who recently moved to Fargo from Massachusetts, was also shot. She was hospitalized in fair condition.

Wrigley and Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney both called Barakat’s actions an “ambush.”

“Had Zach not neutralized the shooter, we would have had many more casualties. When you look at the amount ammunition this shooter had in his car. He was planning on more mayhem in our community.” said Mahoney.

Wrigley will be back in Fargo on Friday with more details.