The suspect killed amid a double-stabbing at the Local 26 IBEW apprenticeship facility in Manassas has been identified along with the victim who died.
According to PWPD, at around 3:23 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, multiple 911 calls came in reporting two men had been stabbed and another man was armed with a knife.
In audio shared by WUSA9, the dispatcher says the “caller referred to them as students.” She also says, “They’re advising the subject is pacing in front of the building and still has the knife on him.”
PWPD said within minutes the first responding officers arrived on the scene at 7016 Infantry Ridge Rd. As they approached the building, they encountered the presumed suspect at the entrance, and he had a knife.
“As the officers issued commands to the suspect to drop the knife, the suspect moved towards the officers. Two uniformed police officers opened fire from their department-issued handguns, striking the suspect,” PWPD stated.
That presumed suspect has been identified as Philip Austin Brant, a 26-year-old Woodbridge man.
While some officers were checking on Brant’s condition, others went into the building to search for victims.
PWPD explained that preliminary information indicates Brant went into a classroom, approached the first victim, pulled a knife from a backpack, and stabbed the man multiple times. Other students were present but “dispersed” as the attack was occurring, police stated.
After Brant left that classroom, PWPD said it appears that he went into another classroom where he found the second victim and stabbed him. That man was able to make it out to the parking lot where he collapsed.
Brant was pronounced dead on the scene, PWPD said. Both victims were transported to the hospital. Elijah Islam Safadi, age 23, of Manassas died. The identity of the other victim, a 23-year-old Fairfax man, hasn’t been released. PWPD said he is in critical condition.
PWPD Chief Peter Newsham described the scene as “horrific.” And police said they have not yet determined the motive.
The Critical Incident Response Team, an independent regional body, is leading the investigation.
The two officers who shot the suspect are on paid administrative leave. They were not named. PWPD stated they are both in the uniformed patrol division. One has 5 years of service, the other has 1.5 years.
Follow the Watchful Eye on Twitter and Facebook
Help keep news you can use coming by clicking to directly support the Watchful Eye, an independent, local news channel. Any and all is appreciated!
