Alan Horujko shot and killed the Nov. 28 attacker within 53 seconds of pursuit and recounts his story in a university-produced interview. Credit: Ohio State
The Ohio State University police officer who killed the perpetrator of the Nov. 28, 2016, knife attack on Ohio State’s campus received the Medal of Valor at the White House Wednesday.
Alan Horujko shot and killed an attacker who rammed his car into a crowd of students and began slashing them with a knife. President Donald Trump awarded Horujko the Medal of Valor for his actions that day.
“Thanks to Alan’s swift action, not a single innocent person that day died,” Trump said. “Officer Horujko, we are forever grateful. Thank you very much.”
On Nov. 28, 2016, at 9:52 a.m., Abdul Razak Ali Artan, a former Ohio State student, injured 11 people outside of Watts Hall who were gathered outside for a fire drill. Artan drove his car into the crowd and then exited his vehicle with a butcher knife.
Horujko subdued Artan within one minute of the attack, during which Artan charged the officer. Artan was the only fatality in the attack.
Horujko is among 14 police officers and firefighters — two posthumously — to receive the Medal of Valor this year.
The Medal of Valor is the highest decoration for bravery exhibited by public safety officers.
Monica Moll, director of Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety, said in an email that Horujko’s quick response ended the situation in seconds and prevented additional injuries.
“Ohio State remains grateful for his quick response and for all other first responders that offered support,” Moll said in the statement.
