A Virginia teenager who admitted he was motivated by ISIS ideology when he stabbed a Florence Township police officer and tried to kill law enforcement personnel has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison.
A Burlington County judge sentenced a 17-year-old Virginia resident Friday to 18 years in prison for an attack that prosecutors say was inspired by the Islamic State terrorist organization and targeted multiple Florence Township police officers.
Fasihullah Safar, of Alexandria, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle.
Officer stabbed while responding to crash
The attack occurred on March 21, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. after a Florence Township police officer responded to a report of an overturned vehicle.
According to prosecutors, Safar intentionally rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle multiple times. His vehicle later became disabled on Route 130 near Station Road.
When additional officers arrived, Safar allegedly charged at them while wielding a knife.
“Following the collision, Safar’s vehicle became inoperable on Route 130 near Station Road,” the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office said. “When additional officers arrived on the scene, Safar charged toward them while aggressively swinging a knife and stabbed an officer multiple times in the chest area.”
The officer survived because he was wearing a protective vest.
Prosecutors say attack was intended to promote terrorism
Authorities said Safar refused commands to surrender and had to be physically subdued.
One officer suffered facial injuries and a laceration to the torso, while two other officers were treated and released. Safar sustained only a cut to one of his fingers, which investigators said was caused by his own knife.
During his January plea hearing, Safar admitted he had become radicalized by the Islamic State terrorist organization, commonly known as ISIS.
“Safar told the court during his plea proceeding in January that in the months leading up to the confrontation with police, he had begun following the Islamic State terrorist organization,” prosecutors said.
He also admitted he intended to promote terrorism through the attack.
“In response to questioning from his public defender during the same proceeding, Safar admitted to screaming ‘Allahu akbar’ during the scuffle, and acknowledged that his intention was to promote terrorism by killing one of the officers,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Case moved from juvenile court
The case was initially handled in juvenile court but was transferred to adult court in September 2025 after prosecutors successfully sought to waive Safar into the adult criminal justice system.
Under a plea agreement reached with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Safar admitted guilt to multiple felony offenses.
“After coming to Burlington County, this dangerous, radicalized individual intentionally attacked police officers who were on patrol in Florence Township,” Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said.
“Thanks to an outstanding joint investigation, this threat has been neutralized, justice has been served, and our community is safer.”
Multi-agency investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the Florence Township Police Department.
“The successful resolution of this case underscores the critical importance of partnership and coordination among law enforcement agencies,” said New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Thomas Hauck.
“NJOHSP remains vigilant in detecting and thwarting terrorism-related threats statewide, and this investigation exemplifies our steadfast commitment to safeguarding all New Jersey communities.”
Key Points
• Fasihullah Safar, 17, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempting to kill a Florence Township police officer during a knife attack.
• Prosecutors said Safar admitted he was inspired by ISIS and intended to promote terrorism by killing a police officer.
• An officer survived multiple stab wounds because he was wearing a protective vest.