By the BBC News
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” (“Allah is greatest” in Arabic) before knifing the officer in the back and neck, said officials.
(A Michigan police officer is in the hospital after being hurt at Bishop International Airport in Flint. Witness says police led a man way in handcuffs shortly after. (June 21) Courtesy of the Associated Press and YouTube)
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.
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.
(A law enforcement official says the FBI is looking at terrorism as a possible motive in the stabbing of an officer at the Flint, Michigan airport. Courtesy of TIME and YouTube)
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.”
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.
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.
Officials say the airport will remain closed until further notice.
About 800,000 passengers used the airport last year.
Original post http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40360428
