Victims of Manchester Synagogue Terror Attack Were Shot by Responding Officers, Police Admit
(Ian Hodgson/AP photo)
Two of the victims of a terror attack at a Manchester synagogue on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur were shot by officers who responded to the scene, the Greater Manchester Police admitted on Friday.
Two of the victims, including one who was killed at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, were found to have suffered gunshot wounds. But the terrorist, Jihad Al-Shamie, was never found to have had a gun, leading police to determine they were shot by their own officers.
“It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community,” Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said in a statement posted to X Friday. “It follows, therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring the vicious attack to an end.”
It’s not yet known whether the deceased victim died as a result of the gunshot.
Watson also revealed that one of the hospitalized victims of the attack suffered a gunshot wound.
“We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening,” the statement went on. “It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
A video posted to social media moments after Thursday’s incident shows police surrounding Al-Shamie, warning onlookers to “get back” because the man had a bomb. The officers are then seen shooting him as he tried to get up.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both residents of Crumpsall, were killed in the attack, police told the Associated Press.
Three others were hospitalized in serious condition.
Watch above via CNN.
