British police said one of two Jewish community members who were killed during the attack at Yom Kipper’s synagogue was killed, and one of the victims was believed to have been struck by police shooting as they tried to stop the attacker.
One of the deceased victims suffered a gunshot wound, a pathologist has tentatively decided, according to Manchester Police Chief Sir Stephen Watson. The suspect, Jihad Al Shami, had not carried a firearm, and the only shot fired was to deal with a law enforcement officer, Watson said.
“Therefore, when subjected to further forensic testing, this injury may have sadly been maintained as a tragic and unexpected consequence of the urgently necessary actions taken by my officers to end this malicious attack,” Watson said.
One of the injured victims being treated at the hospital also suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound, Watson said. Both victims with gunshot wounds were standing close behind the door of the synagogue as worshippers acted bravely to prevent attackers from gaining entry,” he said.
The October 2nd attack unfolded at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsole, North Manchester, around 9:30am. Police responded, fatally shot the attacker, and were later identified as Al Shami, a British citizen of Syrian descent. The attack was declared a terrorist attack by British authorities.
As of the second half of October 2nd, three people had been treated for their injuries. This said he suffered a stab wound and another person was hit by the car.
The UK’s terrorism policy firm said three other people — two men in their 30s and two men in their 60s — have been arrested on suspicion of the committee, preparation and inciting terrorist acts.
Police said the “suspicious devices” worn by the attacker are “deemed unfeasible.” Earlier in the day, police said the suspect was wearing a vest that looked like an explosive device and the bomb disposal unit was called.
Authorities said they are working to identify the dead victims and support their families.
