North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Probes Officer-Involved Shooting in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. – A tragic officer-involved shooting in Fargo claimed the life of a man on Wednesday, with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI) now leading an independent probe into the incident. Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski stated that officers responded to a call about a suicidal man armed inside a home on the 6100 block of 61st Ave. S, just before 11 a.m.

Police reports reveal that officers and emergency medical teams were on standby while attempting to de-escalate the situation through dialogue with the man. Despite efforts, the man eventually emerged from the home holding a handgun, prompting multiple officers to fire their weapons. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We understand that incidents like these are deeply concerning to our community,” Chief Zibolski said in a statement, emphasizing the department’s commitment to a “full and transparent investigation” and asking for community patience as the NDBCI works to determine the facts. In keeping with standard protocol, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

This tragic incident follows a painful chapter in Fargo’s recent history, as the department mourned the loss of Officer Jake Wallin, a Minnesota native, in a high-profile shootout on July 14, 2023. Wallin and two other Fargo officers were ambushed and wounded by 37-year-old Mohamad Barakat, who opened fire following a routine traffic accident. Officer Zach Robinson ultimately shot and killed Barakat, ending the attack. A subsequent search of Barakat’s vehicle uncovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials, leading investigators to conclude that Barakat had been intentionally targeting law enforcement, though his exact motive remains unclear.

The Fargo community is grappling with the unsettling memories of that past loss as the NDBCI’s investigation into Wednesday’s incident progresses, with hopes for clarity and closure in the days ahead.