Knife-Wielding Attacker Tries to Get Into U.S. Embassy in Nairobi

A knife-wielding terrorist was shot dead outside of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi today after trying to gain entry into the building.

According to Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper, a man suspected to be connected to Al-Shabaab first stabbed a General Service Unit officer on the sidewalk outside of the embassy, which also houses the diplomatic mission for Somalia.

The wounded Kenyan officer who blocked the terrorist at the gate of the heavily guarded building is in stable condition. Other reports said the officer was stabbed in the head and chest.

“The U.S. Embassy confirms there was a shooting incident near the Embassy,” said a statement from the Embassy. “No Embassy personnel were involved. We refer you to Kenyan authorities for further details.”

PIC: The man shot dead outside #US embassy in #Nairobi, #Kenya, is said to be a 24-yr-old Kenyan national – Reports. pic.twitter.com/W7AaW7UbNj

— Live From Mogadishu (@Daudoo) October 27, 2016

The terrorist reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during his attack. It was unclear if he was shot by Kenyan or U.S. security.

American embassy employees take cover during shooting right outside Nairobi embassy. So far no comment from US officials. pic.twitter.com/TZ2NIpSKel

— Jeffrey Gettleman (@gettleman) October 27, 2016

The current U.S. Embassy in Nairobi is in the suburb of Gigiri. It was built in 2003 after al-Qaeda bombed the original central Nairobi building in 1998.

Al-Shabaab killed 12 people in a Tuesday attack on a hotel in Mandera, Kenya.

The State Department has a travel warning in effect against U.S. citizens traveling in the region of Kenya bordering Somalia. “Potential terrorist threats, such as bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on civil aviation, remain in Kenya, including within the Nairobi area, along the coast, and within the northeastern region of the country,” states the warning. Nairobi attacks have included the Westgate mall massacre in 2013.