Manchester Synagogue Attack: A Casualty Appears to Have Been Fired Upon by Police
In a tragic development, one of the individuals killed during the Manchester synagogue attack appears to have been fatally wounded by law enforcement personnel.
Police Announcement Confirms Firearm Injury
The chief constable from the local force announced that the Home Office pathologist has provisionally determined the man succumbed to a gunshot wound.
“We sought guidance overnight from the Home Office pathologist before detailed autopsies scheduled for later today. The Home Office pathologist indicated that preliminary findings show a victim would appear to have suffered a wound matching a gunshot injury.”
Suspect Details
The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a firearm, and all discharged rounds were by the police officers on site.
Authorities think the victim was among those positioned at the entrance trying to stop the assailant from gaining entry.
Outcome of Intervention
“It follows therefore pending additional analysis, this injury was unfortunately incurred as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the necessary rapid response taken by our personnel to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
Names Released
Both individuals killed in the attack at Heaton Park synagogue located in Manchester earlier this week were identified as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
The men were killed when a vehicle was employed to crash through the property of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, before the attacker targeted attendees in a six-minute rampage that concluded after police with firearms shot at him twice, killing him near the synagogue entrance.
Further Harm
Three others sustained major injuries in the attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year.
Watson said, “Medical professionals have informed us that another injured person currently receiving treatment sustained a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. Officials think the two individuals were near each other at the entrance, as worshippers acted bravely to stop the assailant from gaining entry.”
Ongoing Assistance
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected relatives, and the wider community, touched by these events across Greater Manchester and beyond. Trained personnel are providing support and care for everyone involved, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Attacker Profile
Police named the perpetrator as the individual, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Local law enforcement said that three additional individuals – two male suspects and an older female – had been arrested “on suspicion of involvement in planning of acts of terrorism”.
Additional information forthcoming ...
