Terror attack in Jerusalem, 17 wounded

At least 17 reported wounded as terrorist runs private car into pedestrian crowd at busy intersection in central Jerusalem. Paramedics say two in serious condition. Terrorist reportedly shot dead by IDF officer

Efrat Weiss Latest Update: 09.23.08, 00:17 / Israel News




A terrorist driving a black BMW ran his car into a crowd of pedestrians at a busy intersection in central Jerusalem near the Old City on Monday evening.



At least 17 people were confirmed wounded at Zahal Square, most in light-to-moderate condition. Magen David Adom paramedics evacuated those wounded to the Hadassah Ein Karem and Shaare Zedek hospitals for treatment.




Most of those wounded are reportedly soldiers belonging to the Artillery Corps who were on a 'Selichot Tour' in Jerusalem. Selichot are Jewish penitential prayers said during the High Holidays.



The terrorist, a Palestinian from east Jerusalem, was shot dead by an IDF officer holding the rank of lieutenant who was with the soldiers.



A female civilian sustained moderate-to-serious wounds.

Rescue services rushed to the scene, and police have blocked traffic in the area. Sappers examined the terrorist's body, fearing he may have been wearing a bomb belt.



The terrorist reportedly began his rampage on Shivtei Yisrael Street. Security authorities say they have been able to ascertain the identity of the terrorist, it has not yet been released for publication.



"The terrorist was in a private car, he rammed straight into a group of people touring the area," said first

responded Haim Weingreten, a ZAKA volunteer.

Police say had no alerts
Jerusalem District Commander Aharon Franco said that police officials did not have a specific warning regarding an intention to carry out an attack in Jerusalem.


"This attack could have taken place anywhere," he said. "The police are deployed in force in order to prevent such incidents.

Earlier this summer, Jerusalem was the scene of two similar attacks. In the first attack, three people were murdered after an east Jerusalem terrorist went on a rampage with his bulldozer, targeting passersby in central Jerusalem. More than 30 people sustained wounds in the attack.




Three weeks later, a terrorist who went on a similar rampage was shot to death early into his attack. As a result, he was unable to murder anyone, but 18 people were wounded in the attack. The terrorist who perpetrated the second rampage was also from east Jerusalem.



First Published: 09.22.08, 23:15