Heaton Park Synagogue Attack: One Victim Appears to Have Been Shot by Officers
In a tragic turn of events, a victims killed at the Heaton Park synagogue assault appears to have been shot dead by law enforcement personnel.
Police Announcement Confirms Gunshot Wound
The chief constable from the local force announced that the Home Office pathologist has provisionally determined the victim died of a bullet injury.
“We sought guidance overnight from the Home Office pathologist ahead of detailed autopsies set to occur this afternoon. The Home Office pathologist has advised that preliminary findings show a victim would appear to have suffered a injury consistent with a gunshot injury.”
Attacker Information
The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a firearm, and all discharged rounds were by the police officers at the scene.
Authorities think the deceased was part of the group behind the synagogue door trying to stop the assailant from gaining entry.
Consequences of Police Action
“It follows therefore that subject to additional analysis, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the urgently required action employed by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
Names Released
The two victims killed in the attack during the synagogue incident in north Manchester on Thursday had been named as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old.
The men lost their lives when a car was used to crash through the grounds of the local Jewish place of worship, then stabbed worshippers in a brief violent spree that concluded after armed officers fired upon him, killing him at the door of the temple.
Additional Injuries
Three others were seriously injured in the attack on Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish year.
The chief constable added, “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 close together behind the synagogue door, as attendees showed courage to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“Our thoughts and prayers are directed toward the affected relatives, and broader public, touched by these events in the region and elsewhere. Trained personnel are offering aid and care for everyone involved, including our brave first responders.”
Attacker Profile
Authorities identified the perpetrator as Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian origin.
Local law enforcement reported that three other people – two men in their 30s and an older female – had been detained “on suspicion of involvement in planning of acts of terrorism”.
Additional information forthcoming ...
