The usually busy and positive Worldgate Center in Herndon unexpectedly turned into a crime scene when a man was shot and left in critical condition on October 6th, 2024. The incident occurred around 7:40 pm and caused immense shock for nearby communities and concern all around.
According to Fairfax County Police, an officer who was patrolling the Worldgate area heard gunshots and urgently went to investigate. The police officer saw a car speeding away, and quickly began trying to chase it onto the Dulles Toll Road. Unfortunately, the car chase was ended when the car was no longer in sight.
The police who responded to the scene at the shopping center’s parking lot found a man on the ground with several gunshot wounds. The officers gave first aid and kept him alive until emergency services came to the scene and were able to transport him to a nearby hospital. Later on, authorities stated that the man is still receiving medical care, but is currently in stable condition.
Not too long after the shooting took place, a witness came forward and brought more evidence to the investigation. The witness said that they were in a vehicle that was fleeing with a young passenger, and was able to identify the shooter as a 25 year old man from Herndon named Mohamed Abdalla. The witness stated that both her and the young passenger were able to get out and away from the car without any harm. Due to this witness coming forward, the police were able to immediately pinpoint and begin searching for the suspect.
The same car that the suspect fled in was found later that same night nearby in Reston, Virginia. The next day, Fairfax County Police Officers found Abdalla and arrested him at Kings Court, a neighborhood in Herndon. The suspect is currently facing several charges consisting of wounding someone with malicious intent, unlawful use of a firearm, and abduction of the witness and young passenger. The investigation is still ongoing, and in the meantime he is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
The shooting has caused worries to arise for nearby shops and business owners.
“It’s frightening to think this could happen here,” one shop owner stated. “This is a place where families gather to enjoy their time, especially on weekends. We really hope the police will keep the area secure.” Worldgate center is famous for its restaurants, shops, and entertainment and is usually very busy around weekends which makes this incident that much more concerning.
Fairfax County Police have been reassuring the community of their commitment to keeping safety in the area and ask that anyone with more information come forward as soon as possible. Authorities are still investigating the motive of the shooting and the connection between the victim and the shooter.
It is important to be sure to keep yourself out of unsafe situations. Especially in high school, it is essential for student’s safety and future to look out for suspicious behavior in your surroundings, and go to authorities or an adult with any concerns. Incidents like this can be stopped with proper notification of authorities.
