2023 NRA Officer of the Year Award Winner

On July 14, 2023, just before 3:00 PM, officers of the Fargo, North Dakota Police Department were investigating a traffic accident on a thoroughfare in Fargo, when without warning, they came under fire from an unknown assailant who was firing a .223 caliber rifle.

The assailant, who was parked facing the roadway in a nearby parking lot, began firing at 3 officers who had walked near his vehicle, striking all 3 officers. The suspect continued to fire as he exited his vehicle, also firing at the people involved in the collision, as well as the firefighters who responded to the crash. One of the 3 Officers Jake Wallin, managed to fire one round before collapsing.

Officer Zachary Robinson, who was standing in the street at the time the gunfire erupted, immediately saw the suspect and returned fire with his handgun, while radioing for assistance and taking cover behind a vehicle.

Robinson continued to engage the assailant as he moved behind his vehicle. Officer Robinson advanced on the suspect, who was on the ground behind the vehicle, and commanded him to drop the handgun he now had in his hand.

Officer Robinson had fired 31 rounds from his handgun, striking the suspect, Mohamad Barakat, 21 times, killing him.

Of the three officers first fired upon, Officer Jake Wallin was killed and Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes were seriously injured.

Officer Zachary Robinson exhibited exceptional bravery and courage while facing the armed violent suspect. Officer Robinson’s actions not only saved his life, but the lives of fellow officers and citizens. As such, it is with great honor and pride that the National Rifle Association names Officer Zachary Robinson as the 2023, NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.