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multiple people killed in Jerusalem bus shooting, 8 wounded

A horrific terror attack in the early morning hours in Jerusalem has left multiple people dead and at least eight others wounded after a gunman opened fire on a public bus near the Old City’s Zion Gate. The incident has sent shockwaves through the capital, prompting a massive manhunt for the assailant who fled the scene.

Emergency services rushed to the location on Ma’ale HaShalom street after receiving reports of the shooting shortly after 1:20 AM local time. First responders arrived to a chaotic scene, with casualties both inside the bus and at a nearby parking lot by King David’s Tomb. Medical teams immediately began treating the wounded before evacuating them to local hospitals.

Details of the Attack

The attack targeted a bus filled with passengers, many of whom were reportedly returning from prayers at the Western Wall, a holy site in the Old City. According to eyewitness accounts, the gunman waited for the bus to arrive at the stop and opened fire with a handgun as passengers were boarding. The bus driver, Daniel Kanyevsky, showed incredible bravery by driving away from the scene while under fire to get his passengers to safety, despite being wounded himself.

“I didn’t want to stop. I had a bus full of people,” Kanyevsky later told reporters from his hospital bed. “I pulled over only after I saw a police car.” His actions are being credited with preventing an even higher number of casualties.

The shooting continued as the bus pulled away, with the assailant also firing into a nearby private vehicle in the King David’s Tomb parking area, wounding several of its occupants. The chaotic nature of the event left multiple people scattered and in need of immediate medical attention.

The Emergency Response and Victim Status

Magen David Adom (MDA) and United Hatzalah paramedics were the first medical teams to arrive. They described a “difficult scene” and immediately began triaging the victims. In a statement, MDA confirmed they treated eight individuals with varying degrees of injuries.

The wounded were evacuated to several medical centers in the city, including Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center Ein Kerem. Two of the victims were listed in serious condition, including a pregnant woman in her 30s who required an emergency delivery. The baby was delivered and is reportedly in serious but stable condition. The conditions of the other victims range from moderate to light.

Police and security forces quickly cordoned off the area, closing roads and beginning a thorough investigation. Forensic teams were seen gathering evidence from the bus, which was riddled with bullet holes, and the surrounding area. For more updates on security situations, you can follow our Global Security section.

How Multiple People and the Community Are Affected

This violent act has deeply impacted the lives of multiple people, their families, and the broader Jerusalem community. The victims included a family from New York who were visiting Israel. The randomness of the attack, targeting civilians on public transport, has instilled a sense of fear and grief among residents.

Community leaders have called for unity and resilience in the face of terror. The attack comes during a period of heightened tensions and serves as a grim reminder of the volatile security situation. For many, the sight of a bus being targeted brings back painful memories of past attacks in the city.

Support services and psychological aid have been offered to the families of the victims and those who witnessed the traumatic event. The incident underscores the indiscriminate nature of such attacks, where ordinary citizens going about their lives become targets. The impact on the community will be felt for a long time as they mourn the dead and pray for the recovery of the wounded.

Manhunt for the Suspect

Immediately following the attack, Israeli police, along with Shin Bet security service agents, launched a large-scale manhunt for the shooter. Security forces, including special patrol units, entered the nearby Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, where the suspect was believed to be hiding. A police helicopter was also deployed to assist in the search from the air.

Roadblocks were established at key entry and exit points of the neighborhood as house-to-house searches were conducted. Police officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The primary focus of the security establishment is to apprehend the terrorist and anyone who may have assisted him.

Hours after the initial search began, reports emerged that a suspect had turned himself in to police custody. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the individual or their motive, but the investigation is ongoing. For further reading on regional dynamics, external sources like the Reuters Middle East section provide extensive coverage.

Official Reactions and Condemnations

The attack drew swift condemnation from Israeli and international officials. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion visited the scene and stated, “Jerusalem is our capital city and a center for tourism for all religions; we will not allow terrorists to disrupt the routine of life and harm the citizens and tourists.”

Prime Minister Yair Lapid was briefed on the attack and the ongoing security operations. In a statement, his office said, “All those who seek our harm should know that they will pay a price for any harming of our civilians. The IDF, the Shin Bet and the police are working to apprehend the despicable terrorist and will not cease until he is caught.”

The international community has also begun to react, with many embassies expressing condolences and condemning the targeting of civilians. The sentiment remains one of solidarity with the victims and a firm stance against terrorism in all its forms. As the city of Jerusalem grieves, the resolve to find justice for the multiple people killed and wounded remains strong.

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