Manchester Synagogue Incident: One Victim Appears to Have Been Shot by Officers
In a tragic turn of events, a 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 of Greater Manchester Police announced that the Home Office pathologist has initially concluded the victim succumbed to a bullet injury.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist ahead of full postmortem examinations set to occur later today. The Home Office pathologist indicated that preliminary findings show a victim likely sustained a wound matching a firearm wound.”
Suspect Details
The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a firearm, and all discharged rounds were by the police officers at the scene.
It is believed the victim was among those behind the synagogue door seeking to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
Consequences of Police Action
“Thus, it appears pending further forensic examination, this injury was unfortunately incurred as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the necessary rapid response taken by our personnel to halt this brutal assault.”
Names Released
Both individuals killed in the attack during the synagogue incident in north Manchester earlier this week had been named as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old.
These individuals 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 ended only when police with firearms fired upon him, ending his life near the synagogue entrance.
Further Harm
Three others were seriously injured in the violent act on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “Medical professionals have informed us that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment sustained a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. It is believed the two individuals were close together behind the synagogue door, as attendees showed courage to prevent the attacker from getting inside.”
Community Support
“Our thoughts and prayers are directed toward all of the families, and broader public, impacted by these events across Greater Manchester and beyond. Trained personnel are providing support and care for all of those directly affected, including our brave first responders.”
Attacker Profile
Authorities identified the perpetrator as the individual, thirty-five, a UK national of Syrian descent.
Greater Manchester police said that three additional individuals – two male suspects and a woman in her 60s – had been detained “on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist activities”.
More details to follow ...
