Virginia Stabbing Attack Update: FBI Investigation Ongoing Amidst Speculation That Incident Was ISIS-Inspired [VIDEO]
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has become actively involved in the nigh-fatal stabbing incident in Roanoke, Va. last Saturday evening, with the FBI investigating if the attack might have been inspired by the Islamic State.
The attacker, 20-year-old Wasil Farooqui of Roanoke County, has allegedly attacked a couple on Saturday evening. Brandishing a knife, Farooqui allegedly tried to behead the man as the couple was trying to enter an apartment building.
Though the attack might have seemed like a random act if violence, Farooqui's possible connections with the Islamic State came into light after it was reported that the 20-year-old had shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the assault.
The phrase, which translates to "God is great," had been used by multiple terrorists who have initiated fatal attacks among civilians.
While Farooqui caught his victims off guard, police investigating the case have stated that the man the 20-year-old was attempting to behead was able to fight him off. Farooqui was ultimately taken into custody after he went to the same hospital as his victims after the attack.
Farooqui's possible link to the Islamic State has attracted the attention of authorities for a while now, especially since the knife attacker traveled to Turkey last year. During that time, there were speculations that he might have tried to enter Syria in order to personally join the Islamic State.
After his failed attack last Saturday, however, the FBI's full force is now cracking down on his background. Adam Lee, a special agent in charge of the FBI's Richmond Division, asserted that the investigation is now ongoing and that the bureau hopes to close the case soon.
"The FBI is working with the Police Department following the incident that occurred on Saturday evening. While I cannot discuss details of the investigation at this time, I do want to reassure the community that we are working to determine the nature of the incident," he said.
Farooqui is currently incarcerated at the Western Virginia Regional Jail. He is being held without bond.
