UK police say synagogue victim was fatally shot by officer during Yom Kippur attack
U.K. authorities say one of the two people who were killed during Thursday’s terror attack at a Manchester synagogue was shot to death by police responding to the scene. Authorities called the accidental shooting a “tragic and unforeseen consequence.”
The new information came Friday from Greater Manchester Police, who said another person was wounded by gunfire during the incident. Officers said the alleged attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, was armed only with a knife and that only the police had firearms.
The attacker was also shot and killed by police.
What did police say?
Chief Constable Stephen Watson did not say which victim was killed by responding officers. The other person struck by police gunfire is being treated in a hospital and is expected to survive.
Watson said the shooting victims were “close together” behind the door of the synagogue, trying to keep the attacker from entering. He said the shooting was a result of “urgently required action” taken by police in a chaotic moment.
What happened during the attack?
The attack happened Thursday morning on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, at a synagogue in Manchester. Authorities have declared the attack an act of terror.
According to police, al-Shamie rammed a vehicle into the synagogue and pedestrians before the stabbings began. Within 10 minutes, police said, the attacker was shot dead.
Besides the two people who died in the attack, two others were injured.
Authorities said the attacker appeared to be wearing an explosive belt and a bomb squad was called in. It was later confirmed that it was fake, and police found no explosives at the scene.
According to The New York Times, the attacker’s family said they were shocked and sorry over what happened.
“We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened,” the family said in a statement. “Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.”
Reaction and motive
While police have not released a motive for the attack, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attack was religiously motivated.
“Today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews,” Starmer said.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
