Off-Duty Police Officer Dubbed a Hero For Shooting Terror Suspect In Minnesota Mall Stabbings

People stand near the entrance on the north side of Crossroads Center mall between Macy's and Target as officials investigate a reported multiple stabbing incident in St. Cloud, Minn., on Sept. 17, 2016. Dave Schwarz/St. Cloud Times via AP

An off-duty police officer who shot dead a suspected terrorist on a stabbing rampage in a Minnesota shopping mall on Sept. 17 is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking.

Jason Falconer is being praised by authorities, Mayor David Kleis, and others for thwarting a violent spree by Dahir Adan, a 22-year-old recent Minnesota college student and Somali immigrant.

“Officer Falconer was there at the right time and the right place,” said St. Cloud Mayor David Kleis, reported the Minnesota Public Radio.

Adan was dressed as a private security guard when he entered the Crossroads Center mall on Saturday. With a kitchen knife, Adan stabbed and injured seven men, one woman, and a 15-year-old girl. He reportedly made references to Allah and asked one victim if they were Muslim during the attack.

Jason Falconer
Avon Police Department