Manchester Synagogue Incident: One Victim Appears to Have Been Shot by Officers
During a devastating development, one of the victims lost at the Heaton Park synagogue assault is believed to have been fatally wounded by law enforcement personnel.
Police Announcement Confirms Firearm Injury
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police stated that a forensic expert has initially concluded the victim died of a bullet injury.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist ahead of detailed autopsies scheduled for this afternoon. The Home Office pathologist indicated that he has provisionally determined one of the deceased victims likely sustained a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.”
Suspect Details
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a firearm, and the only shots fired were by authorized firearms personnel at the scene.
It is believed the victim was among those positioned at the entrance trying to stop the attacker from entering the building.
Consequences of Police Action
“Thus, it appears that subject to further forensic examination, the wound was unfortunately incurred as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the necessary rapid response taken by our personnel to halt this brutal assault.”
Names Released
The two victims killed in the attack during the synagogue incident in north Manchester earlier this week were identified as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old.
The men lost their lives when a car was used to crash through the grounds of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, before the attacker targeted attendees in a brief violent spree that ended only when armed officers fired upon him, killing him at the door of the temple.
Further Harm
Three others sustained major injuries in the violent act on Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “Medical professionals have informed us that another injured person now hospitalized sustained a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. It is believed both victims were near each other at the entrance, as attendees showed courage to stop the assailant from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“We extend our condolences are directed toward all of the families, and the wider community, touched by this incident in the region and elsewhere. Specialist officers are offering aid and care for all of those directly affected, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Attacker Profile
Authorities identified the attacker as the individual, 35, a British citizen of Syrian origin.
Greater Manchester police said that three additional individuals – two male suspects and a woman in her 60s – had been arrested “for alleged involvement in planning of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow ...
