Heaton Park Synagogue Incident: One Victim Was Likely Fired Upon by Police
In a tragic development, one of the victims lost at the Heaton Park synagogue attack appears to have been fatally wounded by armed police officers.
Police Announcement Reveals Firearm Injury
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police stated that a forensic expert has initially concluded the victim succumbed to a bullet injury.
“We sought guidance overnight from forensic specialists ahead of full postmortem examinations scheduled for this afternoon. The expert indicated that preliminary findings show a victim likely sustained a wound consistent with a firearm wound.”
Attacker Information
The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a gun, and the only shots fired were by the police officers at the scene.
Authorities think the deceased was among those positioned at the entrance seeking to prevent the assailant from gaining entry.
Consequences of Police Action
“Thus, it appears pending further forensic examination, the wound may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action employed by our personnel to halt this brutal assault.”
Names Released
Both individuals who lost their lives at Heaton Park synagogue located in Manchester on Thursday had been named as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
The men were killed when a car was used to crash through the property of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then stabbed worshippers in a brief violent spree that ended only when police with firearms shot at him twice, ending his life at the door of the temple.
Additional Injuries
Three more people sustained major injuries in the violent act on Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “We have also been advised that another injured person now hospitalized has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is fortunately non-fatal. It is believed the two individuals were near each other behind the synagogue door, as attendees showed courage to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“We extend our condolences are directed toward all of the families, and broader public, impacted by these events in the region and elsewhere. Specialist officers are providing support and assistance for everyone involved, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Attacker Profile
Authorities identified the attacker as Shamie, 35, a UK national of Syrian descent.
Greater Manchester police said that three additional individuals – two men in their 30s and an older female – had been detained “for alleged commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow ...
