A police officer was stabbed at a MI airport early Wednesday, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which said it was too soon to determine if the assault was a terror attack.
The FBI have charged Mr Ftouhi with committing an act of violence at an airport. He appeared in court hours later to hear the charge.
Cherie Carpenter of tells Flint TV station WJRT she saw the attacker's face Wednesday morning at Bishop International Airport.
The suspected attacker - Amor Ftouhi, a 50-year-old Canadian citizen - allegedly stabbed Neville while shouting "Allahu Akbar", Arabic for "God is great".
Ftouhi spent some time in public, unsecured areas of the airport before going to a restroom where he dropped two bags before attacking the officer with a 12-inch knife that had an 8-inch serrated blade, Gelios said. He's recovering at a hospital.
Ftouhi's Canadian citizenship led to joint operations in Canada and the U.S., as authorities probed the incident.
Ftouhi never went through any security screening, Gelios said.
Fthoui had briefly studied for several months in 2011 to become an insurance representative in Montreal.
Gelios said there is no information that suggests Fthoui had any specialized training.
J&K: Pakistan's BAT attacks Army patrol unit in Poonch; 2 soldiers killed
The official said the Indian Army's "Area Domination Patrol" was targeted by the armed intruders and exchange of fire occurred. The BAT team from Pakistan had crossed the Line of Control and came 600 meters into the Indian side, the army said.
"We're investigating this incident today as an act of terrorism", FBI Special Agent David Gelios, who is in charge of the investigation into the attack, said. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump was briefed on the stabbing.
The FBI doesn't have specific or credible information of a threat to the Flint community, Wiley said.
Airport Director of Public Safety Christopher W. Miller said he was there shortly after the attack and put handcuffs on suspected attacker Amor M. Ftouhi after the stabbing.
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver praised an "unsung hero" who witnessed the attack. The officer and his family and colleagues are foremost in our thoughts and prayers.
Police advised travelers intending to use the airport, which remained closed for most of the day after the attack, to contact their airlines to finalize their travel plans.
Gelios said authorities are also trying to piece together Fthoui's whereabouts since he entered the United States last week.
The injured officer was identified as Jeff Neville, a 16-year airport police force veteran.
"We will not allow others with their own political agendas to divide us", he added.
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