Ohio State attack: Donald Trump thanks first responders

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday thanked first responders for their quick action in response to reports of an active shooter situation at Ohio State University in Columbus.

A man plowed a car into people gathered outside Watts Hall just before 10 a.m. Monday after a gas leak led someone to pull a fire alarm in the building, OSU police Chief Craig Stone said. The man, who has not been identified, got out of the car and stabbed multiple people with a butcher knife.

Police did not find a gun on the man and said they believe he was the only one responsible for the attack.

The attack happened near an OSU police officer, who opened fire and killed the suspect within one minute of the crash, Stone said.

"Injuries were minimized as a result of that," Stone said. "(The officer) engaged the suspect and eliminated the threat."

In a post on Facebook, Trump said he was watching as news reports from Columbus came in. He offered his thoughts and prayers for those affected by the attack.

"Excellent job by the Ohio State University Emergency Management Team … in immediately notifying students and faculty via social media," he wrote. "Thank you to all first responders who reacted immediately and eliminated the threat on campus."

Police have not identified the man believed to be responsible for the incident, although multiple news agencies said he was a legal permanent resident who fled from Somalia with his family.

Authorities have not released a motive for the attack and have not deemed it an act of terrorism, citing the early nature of the investigation.