Mass Stabbing Reported Near Washington DC
This is a developing story.
A midday collision on southbound Interstate 495 near Little River Turnpike in Annandale, Virginia escalated into a stabbing attack Sunday, leaving four people wounded and the suspected assailant shot and subdued by law enforcement.
The incident began when a multi-vehicle crash occurred on the Capital Beltway's Outer Loop. The suspect allegedly exited one of the vehicles involved and attacked multiple people at the scene with a knife. Responding Fairfax County police officers confronted the armed suspect and discharged their firearms, striking him. His identity and condition have not been released.
Of the four stabbing victims, two sustained critical, life-threatening injuries, one was treated for serious but non-life-threatening wounds, and a fourth received CPR at the scene. All were transported to nearby hospitals. No fatalities had been confirmed as of initial reports, though medical assessments were ongoing.
Authorities described a rapid emergency response, with police and fire-rescue units arriving en masse to triage victims and secure the scene. Southbound lanes near Little River Turnpike were blocked for several hours, causing significant traffic backups. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.
Fairfax County Police are leading the investigation, with Virginia State Police assisting on highway-related aspects. The officer-involved shooting will undergo standard departmental review. Investigators have not identified a motive, and no links to terrorism or broader geopolitical events have been established. No additional suspects are being sought.
Officials said further details would be released following next-of-kin notifications and as evidence is processed.