This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35264935

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Philadelphia police officer ambushed 'in the name of Islam' Philadelphia police officer ambushed 'in the name of Islam'
(about 1 hour later)
A police officer in Philadelphia was ambushed by a man who pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State (IS), officials have said. A man who shot and wounded a policeman at point blank range as he sat in his patrol car was inspired by Islamic State militants, police said.
Edward Archer fired at least 11 shots at the officer, in an act done "in the name of Islam", police said. Edward Archer, using a stolen gun, fired at least 11 shots at Jesse Hartnett in Philadelphia.
Despite being shot, Officer Jessie Hartnett left his vehicle and was able to return fire, striking Mr Archer at least once. Despite being shot, Mr Hartnett left his vehicle and was able to return fire, striking the gunman three times.
Mr Archer escaped on foot but was apprehended by police shortly after. Mr Archer was arrested within minutes and later confessed to police he did it for Islam, officers told reporters.
"This is absolutely one of the scariest things I've ever seen," Police Commissioner Richard Ross said. "He has confessed to committing this cowardly act in the name of Islam," Police Commissioner Richard Ross said, because he believes "police defend laws that are contrary to Islam".
"This guy tried to execute the police officer. The police officer had no idea he was coming."
"He has confessed to committing this cowardly act in the name of Islam," the police commissioner said, because he believes "police defend laws that are contrary to Islam".
There is no evidence that Mr Archer, 30, of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was working with anyone else, he said.There is no evidence that Mr Archer, 30, of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was working with anyone else, he said.
Philadelphia court records show he was convicted of assault in March and was set to begin a prison term. He had also been convicted of forging documents in a nearby suburb.Philadelphia court records show he was convicted of assault in March and was set to begin a prison term. He had also been convicted of forging documents in a nearby suburb.
Mr Archer's mother Valerie Holliday said he is mentally ill and had suffered multiple head injuries, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.Mr Archer's mother Valerie Holliday said he is mentally ill and had suffered multiple head injuries, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
"He's been acting kind of strange lately. He's been talking to himself . . . laughing and mumbling," she told the newspaper. "He's been hearing voices in his head. We asked him to get medical help." "He's been acting kind of strange lately. He's been talking to himself . . . laughing and mumbling," she told the newspaper.
"He's been hearing voices in his head. We asked him to get medical help."
Ms Holliday also told the Inquirer that he had been a devout Muslim "for a long time".Ms Holliday also told the Inquirer that he had been a devout Muslim "for a long time".
After the shoot-out, Mr Hartnett screamed into his radio: "I'm bleeding heavily." He has serious injuries and requires surgery.After the shoot-out, Mr Hartnett screamed into his radio: "I'm bleeding heavily." He has serious injuries and requires surgery.
"His will to live undoubtedly saved his life," Mr Ross said. "This could have easily been a police funeral.""His will to live undoubtedly saved his life," Mr Ross said. "This could have easily been a police funeral."
Mr Ross said Mr Archer's gun was a police firearm that was stolen in 2013.Mr Ross said Mr Archer's gun was a police firearm that was stolen in 2013.
The shooting happened on the day two men who came to the US as refugees were charged with supporting terrorism.The shooting happened on the day two men who came to the US as refugees were charged with supporting terrorism.
A month ago, attacks in San Bernardino, California, left 14 people dead, carried out by a couple inspired by Islamic State.A month ago, attacks in San Bernardino, California, left 14 people dead, carried out by a couple inspired by Islamic State.