Manchester Synagogue Incident: A Casualty Was Likely Fired Upon by Police
During a devastating development, a individuals lost during the Manchester synagogue assault appears to have been fatally wounded by armed police officers.
Official Statement Confirms Gunshot Wound
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police announced that a forensic expert has provisionally determined the victim succumbed to a gunshot wound.
“We sought guidance overnight from forensic specialists ahead of detailed autopsies set to occur later today. The Home Office pathologist indicated that he has provisionally determined one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a injury consistent with a firearm wound.”
Suspect Details
The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a firearm, and the only shots fired were by authorized firearms personnel on site.
Authorities think the victim was among those positioned at the entrance seeking to prevent the assailant from gaining entry.
Consequences of Police Action
“Thus, it appears that subject to additional analysis, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the urgently required action taken by my officers 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 were killed when a vehicle was employed 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 police with firearms fired upon him, ending his life at the door of the temple.
Additional Injuries
Three others sustained major injuries in the attack on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “We have also been advised that one of the three victims now hospitalized has also suffered 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
“We extend our condolences are directed toward the affected relatives, and broader public, touched by these events in the region and elsewhere. Specialist officers are providing support and assistance for all of those directly affected, including our brave first responders.”
Suspect Background
Police named the attacker as Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Local law enforcement said that three additional individuals – two men in their 30s and an older female – had been arrested “on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow ...
