Philip Austin Brant, 26, of Woodbridge, has been identified as the suspect in an officer-involved shooting that occurred at an apprenticeship training center located at 7016 Infantry Ridge Road near Manassas on February 13.
The incident resulted in the death of Elijah Islam Safdi, 23, of Manassas, who was one of the stabbing victims. The other stabbing victim, a 23-year-old man from Fairfax, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), with members from Local Union 26 IBEW, operates a training center at the address.
Preliminary details released by authorities indicate that the incident began with multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing-in-progress at the training center, police said. When officers arrived, they encountered Brant at the entrance door and engaged him as he brandished a knife, police said. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Brant continued to advance toward the officers, prompting them to fire their department-issued handguns, ultimately striking Brant, police said.
Further investigation revealed that the initial stabbing occurred in a classroom within the training center, where Brant allegedly approached one victim and began stabbing him multiple times, police said. The altercation escalated, leading to the second stabbing victim, Safadi. Safadi later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, Brant, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) continues to lead the investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the officers involved, both with five years and one-and-half years of service, respectively, in uniformed patrol operations. Each has been placed on routine paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a web tip at pwcva.gov/policetip. All tips received will be relayed to CIRT investigators as the investigation progresses.
Recent Stories
Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen…
According to the district’s monthly incident reports, high schools in Stafford County experienced a surge in disciplinary issues in September 2024 compared to the same month in 2023.
During its November 18 meeting, the Manassas City Council agreed to initiate the process for a council pay raise.
Police arrested two individuals, including one juvenile, in connection to an attempted armed robbery at a McDonald’s in Woodbridge on September 24. A third suspect remains wanted.Â
Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.
What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration?
This is the Wine Event Of The Year!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by current events, family responsibilities, or the demands of work? If stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are weighing you down, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, and we’re here to help.
We offer in person and virtual appointments. Our in person office is located in Kingstowne Virginia.
Our team offers compassionate support and practical tools tailored to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues, managing family stress, or dealing with professional pressures, we are committed to helping you find peace and clarity.
Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise