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Michigan airport knife attacker shouted 'Allahu Akbar', says FBI | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Authorities are treating the stabbing of a police officer at an airport in Michigan as an act of terrorism. | |
The suspect, Amor Ftouhi, 50, shouted "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greatest" in Arabic) before knifing the officer in the back and neck, said officials. | |
Lieutenant Jeff Neville is in a stable condition in hospital after Wednesday morning's attack at Bishop International Airport in Flint. | |
The Canadian suspect entered the US at Lake Champlain, New York, on 16 June. | |
FBI agent in charge David Gelios told media the weapon was a 12in (30cm) knife with an 8in serrated blade. | |
The attacker exclaimed "Allah" and "you have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and we are all going to die", said Agent Gelios. | |
The FBI official said the suspect appeared to be a "lone wolf" attacker. | |
The accused was taken into custody. He is charged with an act of violence at an international airport that caused serious injury, and could face 20 years in jail. | |
The airport was evacuated and additional officers were stationed at city hall, officials say. | |
"Please keep the officer in your prayers," said Michigan State Police on Twitter. | "Please keep the officer in your prayers," said Michigan State Police on Twitter. |
Lt Neville was standing at the top of the escalators when he was approached from behind and attacked with a large knife, sources told ABC 12 in Flint. | Lt Neville was standing at the top of the escalators when he was approached from behind and attacked with a large knife, sources told ABC 12 in Flint. |
The incident took place shortly after 09:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Wednesday. | The incident took place shortly after 09:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Wednesday. |
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said in a statement: "My thoughts and prayers are with all of our law enforcement officers who work to service and protect us each and every day. | Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said in a statement: "My thoughts and prayers are with all of our law enforcement officers who work to service and protect us each and every day. |
"I want the public to know that several agencies are involved and working to ensure the situation is under control." | "I want the public to know that several agencies are involved and working to ensure the situation is under control." |
They are taking extra precautions just to be safe, she added. | They are taking extra precautions just to be safe, she added. |
Police Chief Tim Johnson has asked mass transit officials to be on notice for any further potential incidents. | Police Chief Tim Johnson has asked mass transit officials to be on notice for any further potential incidents. |
The mayor's chief of staff, Steven Branch, said there is added police presence at the city's water treatment plant, WNEM-TV reports. | The mayor's chief of staff, Steven Branch, said there is added police presence at the city's water treatment plant, WNEM-TV reports. |
US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident by his Homeland Security advisor, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters. | US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident by his Homeland Security advisor, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters. |
Officials say the airport will remain closed until further notice. | Officials say the airport will remain closed until further notice. |
About 800,000 passengers used the airport last year. | About 800,000 passengers used the airport last year. |