At approximately 9:45 Wednesday morning, a man allegedly shouting “Allahu Akhbar” stabbed a police officer at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan.
Bishop International Airport is Michigan’s third busiest airport.
The officer, Lt. Jeff Neville, was rushed to Hurley Medical Center; he was initially reported to be in a critical condition, later upgraded to stable. One witness to the attack, Ken Brown, told MLive, “The cop was on his hands and knees bleeding from his neck. I said they need to get him a towel.”
There are suspicions that the suspect in the crime is a Canadian citizen; the FBI is investigating. NBC News reported that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” before stabbing Neville:
According to WNEM-TV, police are treating the attack as a possible terrorist attack. WNEM added, “Investigators said the officer was attacked from behind by someone wielding a knife of ‘substantial size.'”
Bishop International Airport issued a statement after the airport was evacuated: “All passengers are safe and are being evacuated at this time. Please check with your airline for potential cancellations or delays.” Flint Mayor Karen Weaver stated, “At this time we are taking extra precautions just to be safe,” as police officers have been stationed around the Flint City hall complex.
Michigan State Police said, “Please keep the officer in your prayers.” Michigan Governor Rick Snyder added, “As we wait to learn more about the incident at Bishop Airport, please keep the attacked officer in your thoughts and prayers.”
