WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) today praised local and federal law enforcement who acted to quickly apprehend the primary suspect in this weekend’s bombing in New York City, as well as the actions of the off-duty police officer who put an end to the stabbing attack at a mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  

This morning, authorities apprehended Ahmad Khan Rahami, a U.S. citizen who was born in Afghanistan, wanted in connection to the explosion in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City that wounded over two dozen people on Saturday night. Rahami was taken into custody after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement agents in Linden, New Jersey. Two officers were wounded in the shootout.

“We are grateful for the men and women of the law enforcement community who acted quickly to investigate this terror attack and bravely apprehended the primary suspect. The immediate response of law enforcement, both local and federal, to this attack should be commended. While the investigation is ongoing and new information continues to come forward, it is clear that the help of an engaged public led law enforcement to the suspect which is an important reminder for all of us to remain vigilant in these trying times,” Boozman said.

Separately on Saturday night, a Somali-American armed with a knife wounded nine people inside a St. Cloud, Minnesota mall. The attacker, who made jihadi references while indiscriminately stabbing shoppers, was shot to death by Jason Falconer, an off-duty police officer who was at the mall at the time. 

“The quick, decisive and heroic actions of Jason Falconer clearly saved lives and prevented additional innocent people from being harmed after this terrorist began attacking shoppers,” Boozman said.