Heaton Park Synagogue Attack: A Casualty Appears to Have Been Shot by Officers
In a tragic turn of events, one of the victims killed at the Heaton Park synagogue attack appears to have been fatally wounded by armed police officers.
Official Statement Reveals Firearm Injury
The chief constable from the local force stated that a forensic expert has initially concluded the victim succumbed to a bullet injury.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist before full postmortem examinations set to occur this afternoon. The Home Office pathologist indicated that he has provisionally determined a victim likely sustained a injury matching a firearm wound.”
Suspect Details
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, was not carrying a gun, 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 attacker from gaining entry.
Consequences of Police Action
“Thus, it appears pending additional analysis, the wound may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by our personnel to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
Victims Identified
The two victims who lost their lives at Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester earlier this week had been named as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
These individuals were killed when a car was used to ram into the property of the local Jewish place of worship, before the attacker targeted attendees in a six-minute rampage that ended only when armed officers shot at him twice, killing him at the door of the temple.
Additional Injuries
Three more people were seriously injured in the attack on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The chief constable added, “We have also been advised that another injured person currently receiving treatment sustained a firearm injury, which is fortunately non-fatal. Officials think the two individuals were near each other at the entrance, as worshippers acted bravely to stop the assailant from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“Our thoughts and prayers are directed toward all of the families, and broader public, impacted by this incident in the region and elsewhere. Trained personnel are providing support and care for all of those directly affected, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Suspect Background
Police named the attacker as Shamie, thirty-five, a British citizen of Syrian origin.
Local law enforcement reported that three additional individuals – two male suspects and a woman in her 60s – had been detained “for alleged commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”.
Additional information forthcoming ...
