According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, Norwegian hired Sogoni the day before the stabbing. He attended his encore on Norwegian in Seattle.
On Sunday, a crew member saw Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat, and security said he was taken to a medical center for examination, the affidavit said. He then “lost his senses and tried to leave.” The FBI said Sogoni attacked a security guard and a nurse before rushing into the room where a 75-year-old woman was being examined.
The affidavit states Sogoni used scissors to stab the woman in the arm, hand and face. Security guards intervened and Sogoni stabbed them in the head and back. None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to the affidavit.
Sogoni was held in the ship’s prison until the ship arrived at its next port, Juneau, the affidavit said. Based on information from Norwegian security officials, the stabbing is estimated to have occurred at 1:50 a.m. west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Norwegian would not comment on the circumstances of the victims or the screening Sogoni underwent before being hired. The company told The Washington Post it is assisting authorities with the investigation.
“We condemn this type of violence and are committed to the safety and security of all crew and guests aboard our ships,” Norwegian said in an emailed statement. . “I commend the brave actions of the security team on board.”
The company has not confirmed whether the trip continued as scheduled, but as of Wednesday, Encore was in Skagway, Alaska, consistent with the cruise’s itinerary, according to online cruise tracking.
