Man Drives Car Into Students

A graduate from the University of North Carolina drove his vehicle into a group of students on campus.

The young man, who recently graduated with a degree in psychology and philosophy, told investigators that he wanted to “avenge the deaths or murders of Muslims around the world.”

Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar drove his car into a popular campus gathering spot known on campus as the Pit. It is a sunken, brick-paved area near the center of campus surrounded by two libraries, a dining hall, and the student union.

Witness say that Taheri-azar drove into the area slowly, then sped through.

The incident occurred in the middle of the day, while the campus was busy. Five students, a visiting scholar, and three other people were struck. Some were taken to the hospital, treated and then released. Others declined treatment.

Taheri-azar was being held on a $5.5 million bond and scheduled to appear in court by Monday. In addition to his cooperative attitude with police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has interviewed him.