Heaton Park Synagogue Incident: A Casualty Appears to Have Been Fired Upon by Officers
In a tragic development, one of the victims lost during the Manchester synagogue attack appears to have been shot dead by law enforcement personnel.
Official Statement Confirms Gunshot Wound
The senior officer of Greater Manchester Police announced that the Home Office pathologist has provisionally determined the victim died of a bullet injury.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from forensic specialists ahead of detailed autopsies scheduled for this afternoon. The expert indicated that preliminary findings show a victim would appear to have suffered a wound matching a gunshot injury.”
Attacker Information
The assailant, Jihad al-Shamie, was not carrying a firearm, and the only shots fired were by authorized firearms personnel at the scene.
Authorities think the deceased was among those positioned at the entrance seeking to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
Outcome of Intervention
“It follows therefore pending further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the necessary rapid response employed by our personnel to halt this brutal assault.”
Names Released
The two victims who lost their lives during the synagogue incident located in Manchester earlier this week were identified as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
These individuals lost their lives when a car was used to ram into the property of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then stabbed worshippers in a brief violent spree that concluded after armed officers shot at him twice, killing him near the synagogue entrance.
Further Harm
Three others were seriously injured in the attack on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish year.
Watson said, “We have also been advised that another injured person currently receiving treatment has also suffered a firearm injury, which is fortunately non-fatal. It is believed both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to stop the assailant from gaining entry.”
Ongoing Assistance
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and broader public, impacted by these events in the region and elsewhere. Specialist officers are providing support and assistance for all of those directly affected, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Suspect Background
Authorities identified the perpetrator as Shamie, 35, a UK national of Syrian descent.
Local law enforcement reported that three other people – two male suspects and an older female – had been arrested “on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow ...