7 dead, several wounded in shooting attack at Jerusalem synagogue; terrorist shot
Seven people were shot dead and several others wounded in a terror attack on a synagogue in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem, police and medics said late Friday.
According to the police, the terrorist arrived by car at a building used as a synagogue in the neighborhood in the northern part of East Jerusalem and opened fire.
The attacker then fled the scene towards the Palestinian neighborhood of Beit Hanina, about one kilometer (0.6 miles) away, where he was met by officers who were called to the scene.
Police said the bomber, an East Jerusalem resident, was shot dead after he opened fire on officers as he tried to escape on foot.
A firearm used in the attack was seized.
According to Channel 12 news, the terrorist first shot an old woman on the street, then met a motorcyclist and shot him, before reaching the synagogue. Police did not immediately confirm the details.
The Magen David Adom ambulance service said its medics declared five victims dead at the scene.
The weapon used by a terrorist in a shooting attack in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem, January 27, 2023. (Israel Police)
Three victims, a woman in her 70s in critical condition, a 20-year-old man in serious condition, and a 14-year-old boy in moderate to serious condition, were taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus hospital. Two other victims, a man in his 30s in critical condition and a woman in her 60s in moderate condition, were taken to Shaare Zedek hospital.
Jerusalem District Police Chief Doron Turgeman at the scene of a deadly terrorist shooting in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood, January 27, 2023 (Channel 12 screenshot)
Jerusalem District Police Commander Doron Turgeman, speaking to reporters at the scene, said two of the wounded victims had died, bringing the death toll to seven.
Dozens of officers were dispatched to the scene, police said.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was in the United States for a personal trip, would return to Israel on Friday night after the attack, his office said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to conduct an assessment with top security officials.
Local residents told Channel 12 news that it took 20 minutes for the police to arrive. “It’s a shame,” said one man. Police did not immediately respond to the allegations.
A shooting attack in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem: 10 people were injured, one terrorist was killed. The shooting was probably done by passing shot. Special forces were called to the scene. @SuleimanMas1 https://t.co/pOKke0S3CT pic.twitter.com/F6edxH2Dpd
— here news (@kann_news) January 27, 2023
This is a developing story.
