Ohio State University Campus Attack: Timeline and Aftermath
On the morning of November 28, 2016, the campus of Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus became the site of a violent and deliberate assault. What began as a chaotic scene that some initially reported as an active shooter situation evolved into a targeted attack involving a vehicle and a knife, leaving the university community in shock and prompting a national conversation on campus security.
The incident was characterized by its suddenness and brutality, but it also highlighted the effectiveness of rapid police response and student preparedness in the face of a crisis.
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The Events of November 28
At approximately 9:52 a.m., a suspect drove a vehicle over a curb and intentionally struck pedestrians on the OSU campus. After the collision, the attacker exited the vehicle and began stabbing people with a knife. Ohio State University Police Chief Craig Stone later confirmed that the attack was deliberate, noting that the sequence of striking pedestrians with a car and then following up with a knife was an intentional act.
The violence was halted by the quick action of Officer Alan Horujko. Officer Horujko, who had joined the university police force in January 2015, was responding to reports of a nearby gas leak when he witnessed the vehicle jump the curb. He engaged the suspect, fatally shooting him in the head and chest.
Casualties and Medical Response
The attack resulted in 11 people being hospitalized. The injured were treated across three different medical facilities: the OSU Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. While the attacker was killed on the scene, the victims suffered various injuries, with some reporting that the assailant vowed to kill them during the assault.
In a notable act of bravery, an Army veteran was reported to have fought the attacker while attempting to help others following the initial car crash.
The Attacker: Abdul Razak Ali Artan
The suspect was identified as Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a 20-year-old student at Ohio State. Artan was a Logistics Management major within the College of Business. Investigations into his background revealed a complex journey; born in Somalia, Artan had lived for several years in Islamabad, Pakistan, before moving to the United States in 2014.
Upon arriving in the U.S. on June 5, 2014, Artan, his mother, and six siblings traveled from JFK International Airport to Dallas, where they received assistance from Catholic Charities. Before the attack, Artan had reportedly posted a rant on Facebook complaining about the treatment of Muslims globally and criticizing "moderate" Muslims.
Following the incident, the terrorist organization ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) claimed responsibility via its Amaq News Agency, hailing Artan as a "soldier of the Islamic State." However, FBI investigators noted that while Artan may have been inspired by radical overseas messages, there was no public evidence to suggest that ISIS had prior knowledge of the plot.
Key Facts
- Date: November 28, 2016.
- Suspect: Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a 20-year-old OSU business student.
- Method: Vehicle ramming followed by a knife attack.
- Casualties: 11 people injured; the suspect was killed by police.
- Law Enforcement: Officer Alan Horujko neutralized the threat.
- Motive: Investigated as a potential terrorist act; ISIS claimed the attacker was one of their "soldiers."
- Origin: The suspect was a Somali refugee who had lived in Pakistan before arriving in the U.S. in 2014.
Summary of Incident Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio |
| Primary Weaponry | Vehicle and Butcher Knife |
| Total Hospitalizations | 11 |
| Investigating Agency | FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force |
| Suspect Background | Somali-born, former resident of Islamabad |
Institutional and National Response
In the wake of the attack, Ohio State President Dr. Michael V. Drake credited the university's active shooter training and the campus alert system for helping the community maintain order and ensuring the scene was secured quickly. The university implemented a "shelter in place" order and canceled classes for the remainder of the day.
The event sparked broader debates across the United States. Some colleges began reviewing their emergency-response plans, while others discussed the merits of concealed carry on campuses. Politically, President-elect Donald Trump commented on the event, thanking first responders but suggesting that the suspect, as a refugee, should not have been allowed into the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the attacker in the Ohio State University incident?
The attacker was Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a 20-year-old Logistics Management student at OSU and a Somali refugee who had previously lived in Pakistan.
How many people were injured during the attack?
Eleven people were hospitalized as a result of the vehicle and knife attack.
Did ISIS have a role in the attack?
ISIS claimed responsibility and called Artan a "soldier," but the FBI found no evidence that the group had foreknowledge of the plot, suggesting instead that Artan was inspired by their radical messages.
How was the attacker stopped?
The attacker was shot and killed by OSU Officer Alan Horujko, who responded to the scene while investigating reports of a gas leak.
What measures helped the university manage the crisis?
University officials credited the campus alert system and prior active shooter training for helping students and staff maintain order during the emergency.