Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating a shooting spree in Pennsylvania’s state capital of Harrisburg earlier today.
According to the area district attorney, it appears there were three sites where 51-year-old Ahmed Amin El-Mofty intentionally engaged police. One Pennsylvania State Trooper was injured.
To recap, according to DA Marsico: @fox43
#1: 4pm, 3rd/State, suspect shoots at Capitol Police car, officer unhurt
#2: 5th/Market, suspect shoots at PSP car, female officer minor injuries but not wounded
#3: 6pm, 17th/Mulberry, suspect & police exchange gunfire, suspect killed— Felix Rodrigues Lima (@FelixReports) December 23, 2017
The suspect was eventually shot and killed by police. Possible explosives were found on his body, which a bomb squad had to render inert.
El-Mofty has been identified as a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Turkey.
He had reportedly recently taken a trip to the Middle East.
Perhaps related, ISIS supporter Jalil Aziz was sentenced to 12 years in prison today in Harrisburg.
Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz Sentenced for Conspiracy to Provide Material Support and Resources to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and Transmitting a Communication Containing a Threat to Injure https://t.co/BT1ezdxTc3
— Justice Department (@TheJusticeDept) December 20, 2017
No motive has been identified for today’s shootings as yet, but authorities nationwide and across the globe are on high alert for terror attacks during the Christmas holiday.
Earlier today the FBI arrested a Modesto, Calif., tow truck driver who was inspired by ISIS and intended to commit a Christmas Day terror attack on San Francisco’s iconic Pier 39.
And just last week a lawful permanent resident from Bangladesh, Akayed Ullah, attempted to detonate a bomb in a New York City subway walkway near Times Square — an attack later acknowledged by ISIS.
In response to today’s incident in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf praised law enforcement for this quick action:
I am grateful for the swift reaction to this incident by Capitol Police, Pennsylvania State Police and City of Harrisburg Police. Our officers were directly in harm’s way but they did not hesitate and protected others from harm. This is another reminder of the sacrifice made everyday by law enforcement across Pennsylvania, especially for those of us who spend time in our State Capitol. On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, Frances and I thank the fine men and women of these departments.
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse also gave a statement thanking the police:
The incident is still being investigated, but it’s clear that Harrisburg police responded with exceptional bravery and capability to protect our city. The police officers involved, as well as their leadership are to be commended. The situation could have been far worse, and we could have suffered far more injuries had they not acted as courageously and as professionally as they did.
Grateful for the swift reaction to this incident by Capitol Police, @PAStatePolice and City of Harrisburg Police. Our officers were directly in harm's way but they did not hesitate and protected others from harm. https://t.co/s6E4ZQGvTX
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) December 23, 2017
MAYOR PAPENFUSE COMMENDS HARRISBURG POLICE FOR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY IN FRIDAY’S ATTACK AT STATE CAPITOL https://t.co/wMD6tFpbvC via @Nextdoor
— City of Harrisburg (@thecityofhbg) December 23, 2017
We will provide updates on this situation as more information becomes available.
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