Heaton Park Synagogue Incident: One Victim Appears to Have Been Shot by Police
During a tragic development, one of the victims killed during the Heaton Park synagogue assault is believed to have been fatally wounded by armed police officers.
Police Announcement Confirms Firearm Injury
The senior officer from the local force announced that a forensic expert has initially concluded the victim succumbed to a gunshot wound.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from forensic specialists before detailed autopsies set to occur this afternoon. The expert has advised that preliminary findings show one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a injury consistent with a firearm wound.”
Suspect Details
The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, was not carrying a gun, and all discharged rounds came from authorized firearms personnel at the scene.
It is believed the deceased was part of the group positioned at the entrance seeking to prevent the attacker 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 bring this vicious attack to an end.”
Names Released
The two victims who lost their lives at Heaton Park synagogue located in Manchester earlier this week had been named as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
These individuals lost their lives when a car was used to crash through the property of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then stabbed worshippers in a six-minute rampage that ended only when armed officers shot at him twice, killing him at the door of the temple.
Further Harm
Three more people were seriously injured 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 firearm injury, which is fortunately non-fatal. Officials think both victims were close together at the entrance, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from getting inside.”
Ongoing Assistance
“We extend our condolences are directed toward all of the families, and broader public, touched by this incident in the region and elsewhere. Trained personnel are offering aid and assistance for everyone involved, including our brave first responders.”
Suspect Background
Authorities identified the attacker as Shamie, 35, a UK national of Syrian descent.
Local law enforcement said that three other people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – had been detained “on suspicion of involvement in planning of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow ...
