John Kasich weighs in on machete attack at Ohio deli
Republican presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich gave a brief update to reporters about a machete attack Thursday night that took place at an Ohio deli -- an incident that Kasich called a "terrible situation."
"The FBI has now moved in," Kasich told the press after a campaign event in Columbia, South Carolina. "They're 'assisting' out there, is the word I think they're using. And we're gonna analyze it all and figure out where we are."
The suspect, named Mohammad Barry, randomly assaulted people with a machete Thursday evening as diners sat down at the restaurant's tables for dinner. Barry was later shot and killed by police officers after fleeing the scene in a car.
The Ohio governor said he was "not really in a position to talk" about whether the attack was being investigated as a case of terrorism. He assured reporters, however, that state officials were involved.
When he first heard the news, Kasich expressed immediate concerns for his own family members.
"You know, to be honest with you, my daughters were out last night at dinner with a friend, and we live in northeast Ohio, in northeast Columbus. I hear it's in northeast Columbus," Kasich said. "What goes through my mind is, 'OK, what about my family?'"
He added that, "we really are saddened for the people who have been injured."
During his talk with reporters, Kasich also addressed the recent withdrawal of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie from the White House race after his disappointing finish in New Hampshire.
The two governors had a "long, long conversation," but Kasich said he did not ask his former rival for his endorsement.
"He's a buddy of mine," Kasich said. "He was my best friend among the governors. And I respect Chris. And I told him yesterday...the sun's gonna come up. You're a young man and there's great things in your future."
"But I'm not gonna then go, 'OK, can I have your help?'" he added. "That's not apropos."
The Ohio governor commented on his own burgeoning campaign operations, saying that "a lot more money's coming in -- just like we expected would happen after New Hampshire."
Kasich, who finished in second place behind Donald Trump in the nation's first primary contest, added that his strong showing there has "a lot more people interested."
One of Christie's top donors, Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone announced Thursday he'd support Kasich.
"Our events are a lot bigger," he said. "I just think that we're going to have financial resources to be able to compete."