ST. CLOUD - Leaders of the Somali community in Central Minnesota are condemning the stabbing of nine people at the Crossroads Mall. They held a news conference this (Sunday) afternoon at Lake George.

Executive Director of CAIR Jaylani Hussein says he's concerned about backlash from the Saturday night attack.

We understand in St. Cloud there is more anti-Muslim organizing. And we hope that they do not use this incident as a way to continue to polarize, divide, and spread fear and hate in our community.

The Somali leaders stressed the suspect in Saturday night's attack does not represent the larger Somali Community. They say they are also shocked and grieving.

Mohamed Mohamoud says he's spoken to the suspect's family.

The news of the St. Cloud mall was shocking to the friends, relatives, and the community of the deceased.  We were all shocked.  We were not expecting this. According to the police release, we do not know the motive.

The community leaders would not confirm the name of the suspect.  However, The man's father identified the suspect as Dahir Adan in an interview with the Star Tribune. Authorities haven't confirmed that name and say they are still investigating. Adan was shot dead by an off-duty police officer.

All nine victims suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Meanwhile, St. Cloud Technical and Community College says Adan was never a student there, as has been reported. St. Cloud University confirms he attended school there, but has not been enrolled since spring 2016.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. 

Jaylani Hussein, Photo by WJON.com's Jim Maurice
Jaylani Hussein, Photo by WJON.com's Jim Maurice
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