Manchester Synagogue Incident: One Victim Appears to Have Been Fired Upon by Officers
During a devastating turn of events, one of the victims lost at the Heaton Park synagogue assault is believed to have been fatally wounded by armed police officers.
Police Announcement Reveals Gunshot Wound
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police announced that a forensic expert has provisionally determined the man succumbed to a gunshot wound.
“We sought guidance overnight from the Home Office pathologist before detailed autopsies scheduled for later today. The expert indicated that preliminary findings show one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a injury matching a firearm wound.”
Attacker Information
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a firearm, and the only shots fired were by the police officers on site.
Authorities think the deceased was among those behind the synagogue door seeking to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
Outcome of Intervention
“Thus, it appears that subject to additional analysis, the wound 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
Both individuals 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 car was used to ram into the grounds of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then stabbed worshippers in a brief violent spree that ended only when armed officers fired upon him, ending his life at the door of the temple.
Further Harm
Three others were seriously injured in the attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “We have also been advised that another injured person currently receiving treatment has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. It is believed the two individuals were close together at the entrance, as attendees showed courage to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“We extend our condolences are directed toward the affected relatives, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond. Specialist officers are providing support and assistance for everyone involved, including our brave first responders.”
Attacker Profile
Police named the perpetrator as the individual, 35, a UK national of Syrian origin.
Local law enforcement reported that three other people – two male suspects and an older female – had been arrested “on suspicion of involvement in planning of acts of terrorism”.
Additional information forthcoming ...
