A mass stabbing unfolded near the Capital Beltway after a traffic stop turned violent on the southbound Outer Loop of Interstate 495 in Annandale, Fairfax County, Virginia.
Police indicated the attack began around 1 p.m. Eastern Time when a multi-vehicle collision stopped traffic and a suspect allegedly exited a vehicle armed with a knife.
At least four people suffered stab wounds during the incident.
Two victims were reported in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Video from the scene shows at least one person receiving chest compressions before paramedics transported them to a hospital.
All four victims were rushed to area hospitals by Fairfax County fire and rescue units.
No fatalities had been confirmed as of 3 p.m. Eastern Time and authorities described the situation as rapidly evolving.
Officers from the Fairfax County Police Department and Virginia State Police responded quickly and confronted the suspect at the scene.
The attacker was ultimately subdued after officers opened fire.
Details about the suspect’s identity and whether they were killed or taken into custody were not available at the time of the report.
Authorities emphasized there was no ongoing threat to the public, no additional suspects, and no established link to terrorism at this early stage, according to The DC MD VA Live.
SEVERAL PEOPLE STABBED ON THE BELTWAY WITH SHOTS FIRED BY VIRGINIA STATE POLICE: Outer loop of I-495 at Little River Turnpike in Annandale, VA— a suspect is down after shots were reportedly fired by Virginia State Police.
At least FOUR victims have been stabbed on the Beltway;… pic.twitter.com/GtueO3hPxe
— The DC MD VA Live (@TheDMVLive) March 1, 2026
Southbound lanes of I-495 in the area remained fully shut down, producing significant traffic backups across the Beltway and nearby routes.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Virginia State Police were assisting with traffic management and the highway investigation while FCPD led the overall criminal probe, including review of the officer-involved shooting.
This is a developing story.
Additional details will be provided as they become available.
