BY ROB WELLS
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
DUBLIN, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) -- Some members of the Somali and Muslim community in central Ohio fear of retribution-style violence after police say an 18-year old man of Somali heritage ran into a group of people this morning at the OSU campus with a car, then got out and attacked them with a butcher knife.
Members of the Council on American-Islamic Relations -- CAIR-Ohio -- expressed the concerns during a press conference at their Dublin headquarters Monday night.
"We do know of his Somali heritage, and that will be enough for some people to falsely link this tragic incident to the faith of Islam and the Muslim communities," said Roula Allouch from CAIR International.
At least 11 people were hurt in the attack, while the suspect, 18-year old Abdul Razak Ali Artan, was fatally shot by OSU police, according to investigators.
Those on hand for the press conference say they praise the work of first responders and medical teams who helped save so many lives during the mid-morning attack.
Now, they say they'll be keeping a close eye for any suspected plots of violence in their communities, and others, as the OSU investigation continues.
"I have to keep praying. We have to keep an eye out for anything. If you see something, say something" said Zerqa Ibid of "My Project USA."