Manchester Synagogue Incident: A Casualty Was Likely Shot by Officers
During a devastating development, one of the individuals lost at the Heaton Park synagogue attack is believed to have been shot dead by armed police officers.
Police Announcement Confirms Firearm Injury
The senior officer from the local force stated that the Home Office pathologist has initially concluded the man died of a bullet injury.
“We sought guidance overnight from forensic specialists before full postmortem examinations scheduled for this afternoon. The Home Office pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a injury consistent with a gunshot injury.”
Attacker Information
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, was not carrying a firearm, and all discharged rounds were by authorized firearms personnel on site.
Authorities think the deceased was among those behind the synagogue door trying to stop the assailant from gaining entry.
Consequences of Police Action
“Thus, it appears that subject to further forensic examination, the wound may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the necessary rapid response employed by our personnel to halt this brutal assault.”
Names Released
The two victims who lost their lives at Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester on Thursday were identified as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 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 armed officers shot at him twice, ending his life at the door of the temple.
Further Harm
Three others were seriously injured in the violent act on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish year.
Watson said, “Medical professionals have informed us that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. Officials think both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as attendees showed courage to prevent the attacker from getting inside.”
Community Support
“We extend our condolences are directed toward all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident 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 perpetrator as Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian origin.
Greater Manchester police reported that three other people – 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 ...
