Eyewitnesses Recount Disturbing Details of Fargo Police Shooting
Eyewitnesses in Fargo, North Dakota, have shared chilling accounts of a recent police shooting that took place on July 14. The incident unfolded when Vicki Brasel, a receptionist at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center, witnessed a car crash outside her office window. Little did she know that the scene would soon turn into a nightmare.
Around 20 minutes after the initial crash, Brasel heard popping sounds and looked out again to see a man brandishing a machine gun in the parking lot. She immediately ran for safety, fearing for her life. Sajid Ghauri, president and CEO of Network and Technology Solutions, also heard the sounds and assumed it was a blown out tire. Unfamiliar with gunshots, he soon realized the severity of the situation and quickly gathered his employees in a central location, urging them to take cover.
Brasel and Ghauri were among the first to catch sight of the gunman, later identified as 37-year-old Mohamad Barakat of Fargo. Describing him as white or light-skinned and bald, they noticed that he emerged from the passenger side of his car after the initial crash. Brasel, who had been closely monitoring the parking lot, confirmed that the shooter had arrived sometime after the accident.
As panic ensued, both witnesses saw the shooter’s body being detained by police. Ghauri, who also owns the business complex where the incident took place, went to check on his tenants and encountered an officer who questioned his identity. Once Ghauri explained the situation, the police allowed him to continue his rounds, comforting distraught employees and offering assistance to those caught in the crossfire.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities among Ghauri’s tenants or employees. However, 23-year-old Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin lost his life in the line of duty, while Officers Tyler Hawes, Andrew Dotas, and bystander Karlee Koswick sustained injuries. The threat was neutralized when Officer Zachary Robinson fatally shot the gunman, effectively ending the danger.
The incident has shaken the community of Fargo, known for its peaceful and safe environment. Ghauri, who had recently hired employees from Greece and Washington state, had previously boasted about the city’s tranquility. In the aftermath of the shooting, he expressed his dismay, realizing that no place is immune to violence.
As the investigation continues, Ghauri is now considering the installation of video surveillance cameras outside his business complex to ensure the safety of his tenants. Additionally, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident, striving to understand the motivations behind the gunman’s actions.
The eyewitness accounts provided by Brasel and Ghauri shed light on the horrifying moments Fargo residents experienced that day. Their bravery and quick thinking during a time of crisis are commendable, as is the support and assistance they offered to those affected.
The Fargo community is left grappling with the senseless loss of a dedicated police officer and the injuries sustained by others. The city will undoubtedly rally together to offer support and healing as they come to terms with this tragic event.
