North Dakota
Man who ambushed Fargo officers likely had bigger and bloodier attack in mind, attorney general says
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The heavily armed man who ambushed Fargo police officers investigating a fender bender last week likely had a bigger and bloodier attack in mind, with at least two fairs taking place at the time in and around North Dakota’s largest city, authorities said Friday.
Mohamad Barakat killed one officer and wounded two others and a bystander before a fourth officer shot and killed him, ending the July 14 attack.
Over the past five years, Barakat, 37, searched the internet for terms including “kill fast,” “explosive ammo,” “incendiary rounds,” and “mass shooting events,” state Attorney General Drew Wrigley said Friday during a news conference in Fargo, a city of about 125,000 people. But perhaps the most chilling search was for “area events where there are crowds,” which on July 13 brought up a news article with the headline, ”Thousands enjoy first day of Downtown Fargo Street Fair.”
Had Officer Zach Robinson not killed Barakat, authorities said they shudder to think how much worse the attack might have been. All evidence suggests that Barakat came upon the traffic crash by “happenstance” and that his ensuing ambush was a diversion from his much bigger intended target, Wrigley said.
“The horrible winds of fate sometimes,” he said. “Those events fell into place and fell into his path.”
On the day of the attack, the downtown fair was in its second day and was less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the crash scene. It’s unclear if it was the intended target, though, as Barakat also searched for information on the Red River Valley Fair, which was just a 6-mile (10-kilometer) drive from the scene, the attorney general said.
After driving by the fender bender, Barakat pulled into an adjacent parking lot to watch from his parked car, Wrigley said. He said Barakat’s car was loaded with guns, a homemade grenade, more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition, three “largish” containers full of gasoline, plus two propane tanks, one completely filled and the other half-filled not with propane, but with “explosive materials concocted at home, purchased lawfully.”
With police and firefighters busy helping, Barakat watched for several minutes until the officers walked by him, when he lifted a .223-caliber rifle out of his car window and began firing, Wrigley said.
The rifle had a binary trigger that allowed it to fire so rapidly that it sounded like an automatic weapon, he said. A binary trigger is a modification that allows a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released — in essence doubling a gun’s firing capacity. The three officers who were shot had no time to react and fell in rapid succession. He also shot and wounded a fleeing woman, Karlee Koswick, who had been involved in the fender bender, he said.
Robinson, who was badly outgunned but was the only officer at the scene who hadn’t been shot, engaged Barakat in a two-minute shootout. It ended with Robinson shooting and killing Barakat as bystanders crouched nearby.
Wrigley described Robinson as “the last man standing in that blue line at that moment.”
“What he was standing between was not just the horrible events that were unfolding there, but between the horrible events that Mohamad Barakat had envisioned, planned and intended and armed himself for — beyond fully — that day,” he said.
Barakat killed Officer Jake Wallin, 23, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Minnesota Army National Guard, and wounded Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes. Wallin and Hawes were so new that they were still undergoing field training.
Barakat was a Syrian national who came to the U.S. on an asylum request in 2012 and became a U.S. citizen in 2019, Wrigley said, adding that he didn’t appear to have any ties to the Muslim community in Fargo. He said Barakat had some family in the U.S., but not in the Fargo area, and that investigators are still looking into his history before he arrived in the country.
In recent years, Barakat amassed his arsenal. And his internet searches about causing mayhem date back to 2018, with periods in which they abated before picking back up, the attorney general said. Nothing from online, Barakat’s phones, the community or his family suggested he had a hatred of the police, he said.
At this stage in the investigation, it seems all of his weapons were purchased legally, and he had many of them in his car on the day of the shooting, Wrigley said. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is looking into whether he got any of the gun components illegally.
Wrigley said Barakat was wearing a vest that was “absolutely stuffed” with magazines and that he “was putting the finishing touches on his shooting skills in the last hours before this assault.”
As for the propane tanks, Wrigley said it was “quite dramatic” when the bomb squad detonated them. He suggested the tanks contained something similar to Tannerite, a commercial explosive that can be easily detonated with a shot from a high-powered rifle.
“Obvious motive to kill,” Wrigley said. “I mean, driven by hate. Driven by wanting to kill. Not particularized to some group that we can discern at this moment, not particularized to one individual that we can see.”
Barakat had worked odd jobs, and briefly trained as an emergency responder at a nearby community college. He had no criminal record or social media presence and had so little contact with other people that the only photo law enforcement could provide was a blurry image of him lifted from a video.
He had, however, been reported to something called the Guardian Threat Tracking System. The FBI routinely opens what it refers to internally as assessments — the lowest level, least intrusive and most elementary stage of a terrorism-related inquiry — when it receives unconfirmed information about potentially suspicious behavior.
That information is catalogued in the Guardian system. During the assessment stage of an investigation, FBI agents are permitted to take certain basic investigative steps such as conducting online research or visual surveillance, but more sophisticated tools such as wiretaps cannot be undertaken without additional evidence of wrongdoing.
Mac Schneider, the U.S. attorney for North Dakota, said the Guardian system is a way for members of the public to engage with local law enforcement about “things of concern.” But he provided no additional details.
Whether Barakat had intended to survive the attack was unclear. He wore no body armor but did have a way to monitor what was happening at his apartment from afar, perhaps suggesting he had a plan, Wrigley said.
He added that there was no immediate indication that anyone had helped Barakat.
“There are lone wolves,” Wrigley said. “That’s a real concept.”
Wrigley said Koswick was badly injured and will have a difficult recovery. Zibolski said the wounded officers were briefly able to stand up out of their hospital beds on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a funeral service is planned for Saturday for Wallin, whose body was cremated in his police uniform.
(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Will the Scoreboard Tick Over?
There’s juice available when it comes to backing Over 143.5 points between North Dakota State and Utah Valley. Our betting prediction is priced up at 1.90 which looks worth taking.
Utah Valley Beat NDSU in their Previous Matchup
North Dakota State Bison won their previous game 73-61. This was a road victory against West Georgia Wolves.
Utah Valley Wolverines were beaten last game and this was on the road. Samford Bulldogs claimed a 84-76 win.
The last matchup between Utah Valley and North Dakota State saw the former win. It was a 68-62 scoreline.
Expert College Basketball Analysis
The team at Sportsgambler.com are right across the latest injuries and the form guide also informs our college basketball predictions. This data is combined with the latest stats.
Key North Dakota State vs Utah Valley stats:
Over 143.5 points seems like a realistic outcome for this college contest. We’re taking odds of 1.90 considering that the total line looks to be too low here.
There are ways to get bigger odds by betting Over on the Totals. Bettors often look to move the line so they can land a more profitable return if the selection wins.
Over 143.5 Probability
The sportsbooks imply that our pick has a 52.6% prospect of winning. After careful examination, our analysts have this probability close to 60%. That means we’re regarding it as a value wager.
North Dakota State vs Utah Valley Prediction
Over 143.5 Points @ 1.90
Gamble responsibly 18+. All odds are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. To use the Bookmaker Live Streaming services you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo-restrictions apply.
Published 08:52, 28 November 2024
Correct Score Prediction
There are lots of different betting angles including the chance to back Utah Valley on the correct score lines. For example, a 79-70 victory in their favor is available at massive odds.
North Dakota State vs Utah Valley Odds
The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the betting predictions and bet builder tips.
Utah Valley Made Favorites by the Books
Sportsbooks’ favorites Utah Valley are regarded as likeliest victors for this college game and the 1.42 about them triumphing means a 70% chance based on their current Moneyline betting odds. For those wanting to back North Dakota State, you will find 2.88 about the underdogs.
The spread currently stands at 6 and the total points line is 141.5. There is no denying the popularity of betting on the Totals. If you fancy Over 141.5, this outcome can be backed at 1.92.
The betting sites offer stacks of team props and game lines when it comes to most college basketball contests. Make sure you look through all the available options before deciding which bet to place.
Betting Lines & Odds
Moneyline
Point Spread
Total Points
Player Props & Micro Betting
You shouldn’t overlook the player props when it comes to betting on individual games. Many gambling sites will give you the chance to get with or bet against a specific player when it comes to number of Points, Assists, Steals and Blocks.
It’s possible to use stats to your advantage when it comes to college basketball micro betting, especially if you’re predicting outcomes such as the Next Field Goal. Check out the live player, score and team props to see if you can find an angle.
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
North Dakota State Stats
Utah Valley Stats
Moneyline
- 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games
- 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
- 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
- 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
- +6.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 6 of the last 10 games
- +6.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the spread in 7 of the last 10 games on the road
Point Spread
- -6.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 3 of the last 10 games
- -6.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 home games
Total Points
- Game Totals: An average of 147.50 pts in the previous 10 games
- Game Totals on the Road: An average of 146.40 pts in the previous 10 games on the road
- Over 143.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
- Over 143.5 on the Road: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games on the road
- Team Totals: Have scored an average of 73.40 pts and allowed 74.10 pts in the last 10 games
- Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 71.20 pts and allowed 75.20 pts in the last 10 games on the road
Total Points
- Game Totals: An average of 145.30 pts in the previous 10 games
- Game Totals at Home: An average of 139.60 pts in the previous 10 home games
- Over 143.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
- Over 143.5 at Home: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 home games
- Team Totals: Have scored an average of 74.70 pts and allowed 70.60 pts in the last 10 games
- Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 72.90 pts and allowed 66.70 pts in the last 10 home games
WEST FARGO — The city of West Fargo has become a somewhat unlikely hot bed for some of North Dakota’s top hockey prospects.
Five former West Fargo players, including one women’s prospect, have all committed to NCAA Division I programs since June. The city has also yielded several junior hockey and Division III women’s players.
“It’s great for our community,” said West Fargo Hockey Association hockey director Mike Parnell. “We have quite a few players that are accomplishing a lot, and it’s really rewarding to watch them get to live their dream.”
Among the D-I group, U.S. National U18 defenseman Lincoln Kuehne and Shattuck-St. Mary’s U16 forward TJ Hale both committed to Colorado College of the NCHC.
I am extremely proud and honored to announce my commitment to pursue Division 1 college hockey and further my academics at Colorado College. I would like to give a special thanks to everyone who has helped me reach this point. #GoTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/E8PtHDToVE
— TJ Hale (@TJHale17) October 6, 2024
Kuehne notched two goals and eight assists for the U.S. in 21 games this season. Hale has six goals and seven assists in 14 games for the Sabres.
Forward Bryce Mattern
committed to NCHC newcomer Arizona State
in October. Mattern led Team North Dakota of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League with seven goals and eight assists, and tallied a league-high 2.5 points-per-game average.
Mattern led West Fargo High as a sophomore last season with 50 points. He is currently rostered on the Watertown (S.D.) Shamrocks of the NAHL.
Submitted
Northstar Christian Academy forward Hunter Rudolph announced his decision to join St. Cloud State on Nov. 6. Rudolph leads the Knights 16U team at 42 points with 21 goals.
Avery Hovland, a forward for the North American Hockey Academy in Boston, committed to the University of Minnesota women’s program in June. The forward has six points with two goals through 15 games for the Hawks.
Avery Hovland (West Fargo – NAHA Red) has committed to Minnesota. Hovland was the MVP of our U15 Danglefest in 2023.
She played this past season with NAHA Red on the east coast where she had 58 points in 64 games at the U16 level. pic.twitter.com/hx3bTFTtLt
— YHH (@YouthHockeyHub) June 20, 2024
“It’s nice to see the success out of all the communities in North Dakota,” said North Dakota Amateur Hockey Association president Matt Stockert. “You’re literally looking at a bunch of kids who just made a commitment to the game of hockey itself and want to put in the time and do the extra work it takes to hone their craft.”
Among the group, only one player was a member of a North Dakota-based team last season.
Various players across the state have opted to join Tier 1 teams across the Upper Midwest and beyond in search of being exposed to higher-level scouts. Those around the state say it’s a product of the player-focused youth programs.
“Regardless of where that player moves on to, that initial exposure comes from the structure that’s within the state,” Parnell said.
The NDAHA has created its own Tier 1 team with Team North Dakota that is made up of the top talent from around the state. There are 13 Team North Dakota teams, extending from 13U boys to 19U girls, that play from August to late October and restart in the spring.
Photo by Kayla Coleman
Both North Dakota and Minnesota run community-based youth hockey programs during the winter months, whereas other states across the country have Tier 1 teams that play a typical hockey schedule.
Stockert said Team North Dakota along with Minnesota Tier 1 teams play the pre-and-post season Tier 1 schedule to coincide with youth and high school hockey. He noted the team offers players a unique opportunity to play against some of the top-talent around the country.
North Dakota has six other players who have committed to Division I programs, all of which have played on Team North Dakota.
Grand Forks’ Bauer Berry committed to St. Thomas and Michael Coleman will join the University of Massachusetts. Bismarck’s Maxon Vig announced his commitment to Bemidji State.
Fargo North-South defenseman Kenleigh Fischer, who was selected to the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team, committed to St. Thomas in September. Bismarck Century forward Avery Matt will join the Holy Cross women’s team.
David Samson/The Forum
In addition to the college-level talent, there are over 30 players from North Dakota in three U.S.-based junior hockey leagues, and more within the various Canadian leagues.
A key factor in North Dakota’s ability to generate talent is how many resources are available across the state.
“Kids have a lot more opportunities to work on their skills,” said NDAHA player development director Grant Paranica. “We’re finding that more kids are participating in our programs and player development programs.”
Parnell said at Veteran’s Memorial Arena there’s a shooting room with synthetic ice for players to utilize before and after practices. The room also includes an area that has artificial turf. He noted that a multi-purpose room inside the arena is being renovated as a weight room.
The WFHA is partnered with private hockey development facility Hoist Hockey and private sport-focused training gym Athletic Republic. Many players around the Fargo-Moorhead area also make use of the Cullen Force Academy in the Scheels Arena.
With more and more players across the state lacing up their skates, North Dakota hockey will continue grow and harbor more talented players.
“North Dakota hockey is heading in the right direction,” Paranica said.
Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
After graduating from North Dakota State University, Haugland joined the Forum in January of 2023. Readers can reach him at 701-241-5508 or by emailing ahaugland@forumcomm.com
BISMARCK – North Dakota’s snowmobile official season will open Dec. 1, but several conditions must be met before the state’s 2,800 miles of snowmobile trails are open, groomed and ready for travel, the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department said in a news release.
Adequate snow cover of 4 packed inches must be on the ground to allow for trail grooming. Signs must be put in place, and to travel across wetland areas, the ice must be thick enough to support the weight of trail groomers.
The public is encouraged to prepare now in order to be ready to ride when the trails have sufficient snowpack by completing this checklist:
- Obtain proper snowmobile registration from the North Dakota Department of Transportation and carry proof of registration while riding.
- Ensure snowmobiles are in good operating condition.
- Out-of-state riders can purchase a trail access pass from North Dakota Parks and Recreation’s reservation system at reserveNDparks.com.
- Obtain helmets and appropriate winter gear.
- Familiarize themselves with trail maps and signage, respecting private property.
- Check ice conditions before riding over frozen bodies of water.
“Snowmobiling is a great way to connect to the outdoors during our winter season,” said Tony Hillig, recreation chief for North Dakota Parks and Recreation. “People can support local communities, enjoy time with family, and explore many areas of our state they may not have visited before.”
The public can view updates and trail conditions through the free Snowmobile North Dakota mobile app. The app also tracks trips, current location on a trail using GPS, and offers locations of nearby amenities while allowing users to save and load itineraries. More features are available by upgrading to the pro version.
In addition to the app, online trail maps and current trail conditions can be found online at snowmobileND.org.
“North Dakota’s snowmobile trails offer something for everyone, from thrilling rides through open fields to scenic routes through forested areas,” said Todd Thronson, SnowmobileND
executive director. “Riders are encouraged to ride responsibly, stay on designated trails, and most importantly, have fun.”
North Dakota law requires youth ages 10 and older who do not have a valid driver’s license or permit to take a safety certification class. The safety certification class can be taken online at any time. More information can be found on the
Parks and Recreation Department website
at parkrec.nd.gov.
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