Abdul Razak Ali Artan: Everything we know about the OSU attack suspect

Monday, November 28, 2016
Law enforcement officials have identified the suspect in Monday morning's attack at Ohio State University as Abdul Razak Ali Artan. Here's everything we know about him:


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Artan was born in Somalia
He was born in Somalia and living in the United States as a legal permanent resident, sources tell the Associated Press. It was unclear when and why Artan came to the US.

PHOTOS: Scene secure after OSU attack


Artan was an OSU student
At the time of the attack, Artan was enrolled at OSU, university officials confirm. They believe he was in his first semester at the university. According to the student newspaper, he was studying logistics management.
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He blames the media for propagating stereotypes about Muslim-Americans
Just three months ago, Artan was quoted in OSU's student newspaper about his difficulties finding a place to pray on campus: "I wanted to pray in the open, but I was kind of scared with everything going on in the media. I'm a Muslim, it's not what the media portrays me to be," he is quoted as saying.

He reportedly remained silent throughout the attack
An eyewitness to the rampage told CNN in an interview that Artan was "completely silent" and "very creepy" as he carried out the attack.

He reportedly discussed attacks on Muslims on social media
Sources tells ABC News that authorities are looking at a Facebook posting online to determine if it is connected to the OSU suspect. The posting mentions radical cleric Anwar Awlaki and says, among other things: "I am sick and tired of seeing my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters being killed and tortured EVERYWHERE. ... I can't take it anymore. America! Stop interfering with other countries ... [if] you want us Muslims to stop carrying lone wolf attacks."

VIDEO: Police scanners during the attack
Listen to police respond to the scene at Ohio State University

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He was shot and killed during the rampage
Officials confirm that OSU Officer Alan Horujko fatally shot Artan, effectively ending the rampage.



During the attack, eleven people were injured
Eleven people were taken to three different local hospitals with stab wounds and other injuries sustained when Artan allegedly drove his car into a group of pedestrians. Of the eleven, one was injured critically.

Officials believe he acted alone
OSU cameras caught Artan driving his car onto university property prior the attack; they confirm that he was in the car alone and that he carried out the attack by himself.

Public safety incident reported on Ohio State University campus
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