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Virginia Teen Pleads Guilty in ISIS-Inspired Attack on N.J. Police

He is set for adult sentencing on March 26 under a deal that calls for 18 years in state prison.

Overview

  • He pleaded guilty to attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, and motor vehicle theft, prosecutors said.
  • Prosecutors say he deliberately rammed a Florence Township patrol car on March 21, 2025, then charged arriving officers while swinging a knife.
  • A ballistic vest stopped multiple chest stab wounds to one officer, while others suffered facial injuries and a torso laceration, and Safar cut his hand.
  • In court, he admitted following ISIS on social media, shouting “Allahu akbar” during the struggle, and intending to promote terrorism by killing an officer.
  • Days earlier in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he trespassed at a high school, prompted a districtwide closure, fled a resource officer, and was being sought by authorities including the FBI before traveling to New Jersey in a stolen car.