A police officer was killed and two others were injured when a gunman opened fire at the scene of a traffic accident in Fargo, North Dakota. 

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, according to authorities.

The shooter has been identified as Mohamad Barakat, a 37-year-old resident of Fargo. Chief David Zibolski provided limited information about the suspect and the incident. The incident occurred when officers responded to what was initially described as a routine traffic accident at a busy intersection on Friday. Barakat, who did not appear to be involved in the accident, suddenly began firing at the officers.

A 23-year-old military veteran, Officer Jake Wallin, lost his life in the shooting. Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes were injured. In response to the threat, Officer Zach Robinson shot and killed the assailant. Authorities did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the injury of a 25-year-old woman.

Officer Wallin had been with the Fargo Police Department for less than three months and was undergoing training at the time of the incident. He was seeking purpose and meaning in law enforcement, having been deployed to Afghanistan under the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Eyewitness Chenoa Peterson recounted the attack, stating that the assailant appeared to ambush the officers from behind a car in a nearby bank parking lot. The suspect wielded a firearm, taking aim at an officer and firing several rounds.

Chief Zibolski expressed confidence that the investigative process will uncover the motive behind the incident.