2016 Ohio restaurant machete attack

Stabbing attack in Ohio, U.S. June 2025 February 2025 2016 Ohio restaurant machete attack February 11, 2016 Nazareth Gahanna OH.jpg Nazareth, the location of the attack, as seen in 2024 6:00 p.m. EST Gahanna, Ohio, U.S. 40 03 50 N 82 51 48 W type:event_region:US-OH inline,title Mass slashing, terrorism 1 (the perpetrator) 4 Mohamed Barry undetermined *Machete Filet knife Toyota Corolla On February 11, 2016, Mohamed Barry, a native of Guinea who was a permanent resident in the United States and had been working in computer programming and information technology, entered the Nazareth Restaurant in Gahanna, Ohio, and began to attack customers with a machete, injuring four. Barry was killed as he attempted to attack police officers with his machete. Four years prior to the incident, he had been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for making radical statements. The attack was investigated as a possible instance of lone-wolf terrorism. In 2017, the White House said it was a terrorist attack. Attack Barry first entered the restaurant at about 5:20 p.m. and spoke to an employee. The nature of that conversation has not been revealed by investigators. However, NBC News reported that Barry asked the employee where the restaurant's owner was from. According to restaurant owner Hany Baransi, the employee told Barry that Baransi is from Israel. Barry left the restaurant afterwards and returned half an hour later, armed with a machete.Moshe Shiri Owner of Ohio Deli Targeted by Machete Terrorist: "We Are Israeli, We Fight Back" http://www.thetower.org/2961-exclusive-owner-of-ohio-deli-targeted-by-machete-terrorist-we-are-israeli-we-fight-back/ February 16, 2016 The Tower February 14, 2016 February 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160215223727/http://www.thetower.org/2961-exclusive-owner-of-ohio-deli-targeted-by-machete-terrorist-we-are-israeli-we-fight-back/ live Barry immediately swung his machete to attack Debbie and Gerald Russell, both 43, who were sitting in a booth near the front of the restaurant.Stelloh Tim 'A Lot of Hate and Anger': Victims Recall Gruesome Ohio Machete Attack https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lot-hate-anger-victims-recall-gruesome-ohio-machete-attack-n518721 February 16, 2016 NBC News February 14, 2016 February 16, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160216000817/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lot-hate-anger-victims-recall-gruesome-ohio-machete-attack-n518721 live He then moved on to the next table of people and then attacked Bill Foley, a musician performing at the restaurant and a friend of Baransi's. Neil McMeekin, at the 2nd table attacked, was able to get Barry off of Foley by hitting him with a chair.Married Couple Injured in Machete Attack Call Survival a 'Miracle' https://abcnews.go.com/US/married-couple-injured-machete-attack-call-survival-miracle/story?id=36948150 February 16, 2016 ABC News February 15, 2016 February 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160215213841/http://abcnews.go.com/US/married-couple-injured-machete-attack-call-survival-miracle/story?id=36948150 livehttps://www.10tv.com/article/news/crime/crime-tracker/witness-describes-his-attempt-stop-machete-attack-suspect/530-2a34177f-62e7-4678-9211-76eeb467ed68 Witness Describes His Attempt To Stop Machete Attack Suspect 10tv.com 12 February 2016 July 13, 2020 July 13, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200713191230/https://www.10tv.com/article/news/crime/crime-tracker/witness-describes-his-attempt-stop-machete-attack-suspect/530-2a34177f-62e7-4678-9211-76eeb467ed68 live Shafi Ali, an immigrant from Dubai and an employee of Nazareth Restaurant, then drove Barry off with a metal baseball bat. Foley, the Russells, and Neil McMeekin all suffered injuries from the attack. About twenty people were inside the restaurant at the time of the attack.http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/11/columbus-ohio-man-stabs-multiple-people-with-machette-in-northeast-columbus.html Cops Kill Suspect After Violent Machete Attack At Northeast Columbus Restaurant WBNS-10TV February 11, 2016 February 18, 2016 Anderson Evan Bacome Tylar Baca Nathan https://web.archive.org/web/20160303161637/http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/11/columbus-ohio-man-stabs-multiple-people-with-machette-in-northeast-columbus.html March 3, 2016 Barry fled the scene in a white Toyota Corolla and collided shortly thereafter with a Mercedes. The driver of the Mercedes called 9-1-1, explaining that he had just gotten into an accident and that the other driver had a large knife. During the police pursuit, officers ran a routine search on the license plate number of the car Barry was driving; the search triggered an alert instructing the pursuing officers to contact the local terrorism task force.Information About Attacker's Car Alerted FBI https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-critically-hurt-attack-ohio-restaurant-36892384 February 19, 2016 Associated Press ABCNews February 12, 2016 The officers tried to execute a PIT maneuver to force his Toyota off the road, but it was unsuccessful. A second PIT maneuver succeeded, and the vehicle crashed into a street curb. As officers approached the vehicle, Barry emerged and lunged at them with the machete and a filet knife, allegedly yelling "Allahu Akbar!",SHELBY CROFT Nazareth Restaurant Reopens After Machete Attack https://www.10tv.com/article/nazareth-restaurant-reopens-after-machete-attack 18 January 2019 WBNS-TV 19 May 2016 Sources say Barry yelled out the phrase “Allahu Akbar”, meaning God is greater, before police gunned him down though when asked by WSYX, Columbus police responded that "up to this point in its investigation; this is the first time they have heard the phrase "allahu Akbar" connected to the case." He was first tasered by officers, but when this did not stop him, they fired their guns.https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-witnesses-quick-info-helped-find-machete-attacker-36888697 'No Rhyme or Reason' for Machete Attack at Ohio Restaurant ABC News Associated Press February 12, 2016 February 18, 2016 Kantele Franko February 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160217155343/http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-witnesses-quick-info-helped-find-machete-attacker-36888697 live Barry was shot repeatedlyhttp://wdtn.com/2016/02/18/coroner-machete-attacker-from-ohio-eatery-was-shot-in-neck/ Coroner: Machete attacker from Ohio eatery was shot in neck WDTN Associated Press February 18, 2016 February 18, 2016 February 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160219103026/http://wdtn.com/2016/02/18/coroner-machete-attacker-from-ohio-eatery-was-shot-in-neck/ live and died of a bullet wound in his neck.Landers Kevin Report: Machete Attacker Died From Gun Shot Wound To Neck http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/16/columbus-ohio-report-machete-attacker-died-from-gun-shot-wound-to-neck.html February 17, 2016 WBNS January 16, 2016 February 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160219040015/http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/16/columbus-ohio-report-machete-attacker-died-from-gun-shot-wound-to-neck.html dead Barry was 30 at the time of his death. A native of Guinea in West Africa,Man who struck Ohio diners with machete was from Guinea, FBI says https://www.foxnews.com/us/man-who-struck-ohio-diners-with-machete-was-from-guinea-fbi-says February 16, 2016 Associated Press Fox News February 15, 2016 August 12, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190812091945/https://www.foxnews.com/us/man-who-struck-ohio-diners-with-machete-was-from-guinea-fbi-says live he had arrived in the U.S. in 2000.Miller Michael Random act or Islamist terrorism? Questions linger as Ohio restaurant reopens after machete attack https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/16/random-act-or-islamist-terrorism-questions-linger-as-ohio-restaurant-reopens-after-machete-attack/ February 16, 2016 The Washington Post January 16, 2016 February 16, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160216133153/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/16/random-act-or-islamist-terrorism-questions-linger-as-ohio-restaurant-reopens-after-machete-attack/ live At the time of the attack, he was in the U.S. legally on a green card.Bacome Tyler CBS Confirms Machete Attack Suspect Was In United States On Green Card http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/12/columbus-ohio-cbs-confirms-machete-attack-suspect-was-in-united-states-on-green-card.html February 19, 2016 WBNS 10TV February 12, 2016 February 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160215223010/http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/12/columbus-ohio-cbs-confirms-machete-attack-suspect-was-in-united-states-on-green-card.html dead He had worked in computer programming and information technology.Jarosz Brooks Machete attacker had computer background http://abc6onyourside.com/investigators/update-investigators-say-machete-attacker-had-computer-background February 16, 2016 ABC News February 15, 2016 February 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160217091742/http://abc6onyourside.com/investigators/update-investigators-say-machete-attacker-had-computer-background/ live FBI investigation Although he did not have any encounters with Columbus police, Barry was known to the FBI for making radical comments. The FBI has not released details of their investigation into him, which took place four years before the attack.Williams Pete FBI Looked at Ohio Machete Attacker Four Years Ago https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohio-machete-attacker-acted-his-own-police-say-n517716 February 16, 2016 NBC News February 12, 2016 February 16, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160216021416/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohio-machete-attacker-acted-his-own-police-say-n517716 live Jeff Pegues, the homeland security correspondent for CBS News, reported that "law enforcement is concerned that this incident has the hallmarks of the type of so-called 'lone wolf' terrorist attack."Pegues Jeff Cops kill man after machete attack at Ohio deli http://www.cbsnews.com/news/machete-attack-nazareth-restaurant-columbus-ohio-stabbing/ February 21, 2016 CBS News February 12, 2016 February 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160220215832/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/machete-attack-nazareth-restaurant-columbus-ohio-stabbing/ live An investigation into the possibility of Berry being a self-radicalized Islamist terrorist was launched a week after the attack.Pearson Michael Ohio restaurant attacker possible 'lone wolf,' law enforcement source says http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/12/us/columbus-machete-attack-motive/ February 16, 2016 CNN February 12, 2016 February 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160215060456/http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/12/us/columbus-machete-attack-motive live As of May 10, 2016, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that Barry was a self-radicalized "lone wolf".Chiaramonte Perry Ohio restaurant owner says he was machete-wielding terrorist's target https://www.foxnews.com/us/ohio-restaurant-owner-says-he-was-machete-wielding-terrorists-target/ June 1, 2016 Fox News May 10, 2016 February 17, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190217001855/https://www.foxnews.com/us/ohio-restaurant-owner-says-he-was-machete-wielding-terrorists-target live Nazareth Restaurant Hany Baransi, the owner and manager of the popular restaurant on North Hamilton Road,Seman Gary Mideast Feast (Restaurant review, includes discussion of owner) Columbus Dispatch November 3, 2004 describes himself as an Israeli Christian Arab who immigrated to America from Haifa, Israel. He has been operating Nazareth Restaurant in a local strip mall for 27 years.http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/the-latest-suspect-killed-after-ohio-machete-attack-is-id/article_73d68a17-1c0c-5747-afea-bfb28f19d4dc.html The Latest: Owner thinks eatery was targeted, FBI not sure St. Louis Post-Dispatch February 12, 2016 February 18, 2016July 2026 InternetArchiveBot Nazareth is known for serving Middle Eastern dishes including shawarma, gyros, lamb kebabs, and stuffed grape leaves. Wang Yanan 'I just thought he was going to...slash me up': Machete attack at Middle Eastern restaurant in Ohio https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/12/i-just-thought-he-was-going-to-slash-me-up-machete-attack-at-middle-eastern-restaurant-in-ohio/?tid=ptv_rellink February 16, 2016 The Washington Post February 12, 2016 March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305201116/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/12/i-just-thought-he-was-going-to-slash-me-up-machete-attack-at-middle-eastern-restaurant-in-ohio/?tid=ptv_rellink live An Israeli flag is on display inside his restaurant.http://www.thetower.org/2961-exclusive-owner-of-ohio-deli-targeted-by-machete-terrorist-we-are-israeli-we-fight-back Owner of Ohio Deli Targeted by Machete Terrorist: "We Are Israeli, We Fight Back" Shiri Moshe The Tower February 14, 2016 November 29, 2016 January 19, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170119093941/http://www.thetower.org/2961-exclusive-owner-of-ohio-deli-targeted-by-machete-terrorist-we-are-israeli-we-fight-back/ live The Washington Post described Baransi as a "popular local figure" and his restaurant as a "multicultural mingling place"; a painting of a Christian, a Jew, and a Muslim in amicable conversation hangs on the wall. Baransi believes that the attack was an act of terrorism because he is Israeli and added that there were a number of other restaurants in the strip mall that Barry could have chosen to attack.Levine Steve Machete attack suspect may have been yelling when he went after officers http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/machete-attack-suspect-may-have-been-yelling-when-he-went-after-officers February 16, 2016 ABC 6 February 16, 2016 February 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160218091338/http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/machete-attack-suspect-may-have-been-yelling-when-he-went-after-officers live However, an FBI official stated that the investigation was still in its early stages and that it was too soon to jump to conclusions. Aftermath Columbus area musicians organized a benefit concert to raise funds for the victims.Downing Andy Local musicians band together to raise funds for Nazareth attack victims http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2016/02/18/staff-pick-local-musicians-band-together-to-raise-funds-for-nazareth-attack-victims.html February 18, 2016 Columbus Alive February 18, 2016 March 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160301112624/http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2016/02/18/staff-pick-local-musicians-band-together-to-raise-funds-for-nazareth-attack-victims.html live The restaurant was closed down in the immediate wake of the attack, with a partial reopening four days after the attack.Israeli Arab-owned Restaurant in Ohio Reopens After Machete Attack https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.703683 https://web.archive.org/web/20160217011012/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.703683 dead February 17, 2016 February 16, 2016 JTA Haaretz February 16, 2016Lo Karen Ohio Restaurant Owned by Christian Israeli Reopens Days After Suspected Terror Attack http://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/ohio-restaurant-owned-christian-israeli-reopens-days-after-suspected-terror-attack/021616 February 17, 2016 The Daily Meal February 16, 2016 February 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160218093318/http://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/ohio-restaurant-owned-christian-israeli-reopens-days-after-suspected-terror-attack/021616 live Baransi expected the restaurant to be fully back to normal operation by February 19. Wolf Carlo Life returning to normal at Israeli-owned Columbus eatery http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/life-returning-to-normal-at-israeli-owned-columbus-eatery/article_3738fa72-d656-11e5-8b25-3ff1df1bf473.html February 18, 2016 Cleveland Jewish News February 18, 2016 March 1, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170301051733/http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/life-returning-to-normal-at-israeli-owned-columbus-eatery/article_3738fa72-d656-11e5-8b25-3ff1df1bf473.html live The restaurant fully reopened at 11:00 a.m. on that day,Murphy Katelyn Nazareth Restaurant opens to hugs http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/today-nazareth-restaurant-opens-at-1100-am February 19, 2016 ABC6 February 19, 2016 February 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160220102258/http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/today-nazareth-restaurant-opens-at-1100-am live but it was abruptly closed down again hours later, with a post on social media clarifying that the staff needed more time to recuperate.http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/19/columbus-ohio-owner-of-nazareth-restaurant-moving-back-to-israel-future-of-eatery-in-doubt.html Nazareth Restaurant To Close For Undetermined Amount Of Time 10TV February 19, 2016 February 19, 2016 February 21, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160221023617/http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/19/columbus-ohio-owner-of-nazareth-restaurant-moving-back-to-israel-future-of-eatery-in-doubt.html dead In the days immediately after the attack, Baransi announced his belief that his employees were in danger because of his Israeli background and the hatred he and his staff were subsequently subjected to. He also added that he loved the U.S., but felt it was no longer safe; that local and national officials had not offered support to him, the victims, and his employees and customers; and that he was disappointed the attack was not being recognized as an act of terrorism. Future Of Nazareth Restaurant In Doubt As Owner Mulls Future In U.S. (UPDATED) http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/18/columbus-ohio-owner-of-nazareth-restaurant-moving-back-to-israel-future-of-eatery-in-doubt.html February 18, 2016 WBNS 10-TV February 18, 2016 February 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160219095002/http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2016/02/18/columbus-ohio-owner-of-nazareth-restaurant-moving-back-to-israel-future-of-eatery-in-doubt.html dead Rinehart Earl Despite anxieties, owner plans to keep Nazareth Restaurant Open http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/02/18/Nazareth-restaurant-future.html February 18, 2016 Columbus Dispatch February 18, 2016 February 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160219091533/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/02/18/Nazareth-restaurant-future.html live He then announced his plans to leave the U.S. and close his restaurant permanently. His wife stated that she is trying to persuade him to change his mind.Rantala Lisa Rowe Sean 2016-02-18 Nazareth Owner: 'We will be open' https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/columbus-restaurant-to-close-after-machete-attack-owner-says 2025-11-04 WSYX en Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther told reporters that he hopes to persuade Baransi to stay in Columbus.Murphy Katelyn Nazareth restaurant owner says he's scared, considering leaving the country http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/ginther-plans-to-meet-with-nazareth-owner-ask-him-to-stay-in-columbus February 19, 2016 ABC6 February 18, 2016 February 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160219103824/http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/ginther-plans-to-meet-with-nazareth-owner-ask-him-to-stay-in-columbus/ liveSells Heather 'Je Suis Nazareth': Support Pours in for Israeli Deli Owner after Attack http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2016/February/Columbus-Residents-Rally-with-Owner-of-Israeli-Deli February 19, 2016 CBN February 19, 2016 February 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160219161148/http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2016/February/Columbus-Residents-Rally-with-Owner-of-Israeli-Deli liveGhert-Zand Renee Israeli's Ohio restaurant closes doors in aftermath of machete attack https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-ohio-restaurant-closes-doors-in-aftermath-of-machete-attack/ May 31, 2016 Times of Israel May 30, 2016 May 31, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160531110708/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-ohio-restaurant-closes-doors-in-aftermath-of-machete-attack/ live The restaurant stayed open, although Baransi continued to assert that authorities in Columbus and the United States in general do not take the threat of terrorist sufficiently seriously.Meyer Tami Kamin The aftermath of the Nazareth Restaurant attack http://www.columbusmonthly.com/lifestyle/20170313/aftermath-of-nazareth-restaurant-attack 17 January 2019 Columbus Monthly 13 March 2017 January 17, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190117071748/http://www.columbusmonthly.com/lifestyle/20170313/aftermath-of-nazareth-restaurant-attack live In November 2016, following a car-ramming and stabbing attack at Ohio State University, Columbus Police Deputy Chief Michael Woods compared it to the restaurant attack committed by Barry as also a potential act of terrorism.http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/public/2016/osu-attack/ohio-state-attack-terrorism-cases-in-central-ohio.html Terrorism cases from the past 12 years in central Ohio The Columbus Dispatch November 30, 2016 November 30, 2016 December 2, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161202125514/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/public/2016/osu-attack/ohio-state-attack-terrorism-cases-in-central-ohio.html live In February 2017, the White House listed the machete attack as a terrorist attack.John Wagner Philip Rucker Here are the 78 terrorist attacks the White House says were largely underreported https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/02/06/here-are-the-78-terrorist-attacks-the-white-house-says-were-largely-under-reported/?noredirect=on 18 January 2019 The Washington Post 6 February 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170304164619/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/02/06/here-are-the-78-terrorist-attacks-the-white-house-says-were-largely-under-reported/ 4 March 2017 Hany Baransi, owner of the Nazareth Deli, who had expressed frustration that federal authorities declined to call the attack terrorism and offered little or no support to him, said he felt relieved that the White House has designated the machete attack on his store as an act of terrorism.2017-02-07 Nazareth Restaurant owner feels relief that White House called machete attack 'terrorism' https://www.nbc4i.com/news/nazareth-restaurant-owner-feels-relief-that-white-house-called-machete-attack-terrorism/ 2023-11-27 NBC4 WCMH-TV en-US October 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231014022950/https://www.nbc4i.com/news/nazareth-restaurant-owner-feels-relief-that-white-house-called-machete-attack-terrorism/ live See also 2014 Queens hatchet attack References 30em External links Images of restaurant taken shortly after attack, interview with owner, Columbus Dispatch FBI joins investigation into Ohio machete attack, Washington Post Restaurant Reopens Four Days After Machete Attack, Public Radio Video interview with owner, 10TV Category:2016 in Ohio Category:21st century in Columbus, Ohio Category:Attacks in the United States in 2016 Category:February 2016 crimes in the United States Category:Islamic terrorism in Ohio Category:Israeli-American history Category:Mass stabbings in the United States Category:Stabbing attacks in 2016 Category:Terrorist incidents in the United States in 2016 Category:Terrorist incidents involving knife attacks in the United States Category:Attacks on restaurants in the United States Category:Guinea–United States relations Category:Guinean diaspora in the United States