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

KTRK logo
Monday, November 28, 2016
Abdul Razak Ali Artan, identified as the suspect by The Lantern, the student newspaper, which profiled him in August,
Abdul Razak Ali Artan, identified as the suspect by The Lantern, the student newspaper, which profiled him in August,
The Lantern/Ohio State University-WTVD

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:





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


1 of 9
Students leave buildings surrounding Watts Hall as police respond to reports of a shooting on campus at Ohio State University on Monday.
John Minchillo


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.





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."



Read more about the attack here.



VIDEO: Police scanners during the attack


Listen to police respond to the scene at Ohio State University


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, 11 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.



Video posted to social media shows the scene of the Ohio State University public safety incident.
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.