Teen inspired by ISIS sentenced for knife attack against Florence Township police
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office says the incident began in March 2025, when 17-year-old Fasihullah Safar intentionally struck a patrol vehicle as an officer responded to a nearby accident.
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A teenager has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison for a violent, terror-motivated attack against Florence Township police officers.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office says the incident began in March 2025, when 17-year-old Fasihullah Safar intentionally struck a patrol vehicle as an officer responded to a nearby accident.
Following the collision, his vehicle became inoperable on Route 130 near Station Road. He charged toward police with a knife after additional officers arrived at the scene.
One officer sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest. Another was wearing a vest, protecting him from more serious injuries.
Authorities say Sarfar continued his attack and had to be physically subdued. One of the officers suffered facial injuries and a laceration to his torso during the struggle.
Investigators later determined that Safar also caused the crash the first officer originally responded to.
He pleaded guilty to attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and theft of a motor vehicle in January.
During court proceedings, Safar stated he began following the Islamic State terrorist organization months prior to the attack and indicated that he planned to join the group on social media.
He also admitted to screaming “Allahu akbar” and aimed to promote terrorism by killing one of the officers.
