Heaton Park Synagogue Attack: A Casualty Was Likely Fired Upon by Officers
In a tragic turn of events, a victims killed at the Heaton Park synagogue assault is believed to have been shot dead by law enforcement personnel.
Police Announcement Confirms Gunshot Wound
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police announced that a forensic expert has provisionally determined the man died of a gunshot wound.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist before full postmortem examinations set to occur later today. The Home Office pathologist indicated that he has provisionally determined one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound matching a gunshot injury.”
Suspect Details
The assailant, a 35-year-old individual, did not have a gun, and the only shots fired came from authorized firearms personnel on site.
It is believed the victim was part of the group behind the synagogue door trying to stop the attacker from entering the building.
Outcome of Intervention
“It follows therefore pending additional analysis, the wound was unfortunately incurred as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the necessary rapid response taken by our personnel to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
Victims Identified
Both individuals killed in the attack at Heaton Park synagogue located in Manchester on Thursday were identified as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
The men were killed when a vehicle was employed to ram into the grounds of the local Jewish place of worship, then stabbed worshippers in a six-minute rampage that ended only when police with firearms fired upon him, killing him near the synagogue entrance.
Additional Injuries
Three others sustained major injuries in the attack on Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish year.
The chief constable added, “Medical professionals have informed us that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment sustained a gunshot wound, which is fortunately non-fatal. Officials think both victims were near each other behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Ongoing Assistance
“Our thoughts and prayers are directed toward all of the families, and the wider community, touched by these events in the region and elsewhere. Specialist officers are providing support and assistance for everyone involved, including our brave first responders.”
Suspect Background
Police named the perpetrator as the individual, thirty-five, a British citizen of Syrian origin.
Greater Manchester police said that three other people – two male suspects and a woman in her 60s – had been detained “on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow ...
