Ten wounded in shooting attack in Old City of Jerusalem
By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service
Ten people were wounded, three moderately and seven lightly, during a shooting attack Friday morning in Jerusalem's Old City.
The assailant, who has yet to be identified, was shot and killed by a security guard.
The attack took place near the Old City's Ateret Cohanim yeshiva in the Christian Quarter.
The assailant was walking with a friend on Hanotsrim Street near the Jaffa Gate, when he attacked a security guard, managing to take his gun. He then shot the guard, moderately wounding him in his shoulder.
The attacker then fled the scene, running down Avtimos Street. Another guard ran after the man, and nine bystanders were wounded, four from ricochets, in the ensuing gunfight. Five people were wounded by the assailant's gunfire, according to Israel Radio.
A witness told Israel Radio that even after it was clear that the man had been killed, the guard continued shooting, causing additional injuries.
However, police sources said that cameras stationed in the Old City caught the incident on film, and indicated that the guard acted professionally and appropriately. According to the radio, the video footage showed that the guard did not shoot the attacker after he was down in order to "confirm the kill."
"The guard acted professionally," Jerusalem District Police Commander Ilan Franco told Israel Radio. "Passersby were able to hide, and the incident is being investigated."
Security sources said the assailant was approximately 20 years old, and carried no identification. Police and the Shin Bet security service are attempting to locate his family.
Magen David Adom emergency medical teams arrived at the scene to treat the wounded and evacuate them to Jerusalem hospitals.
Following the incident, police raised the alert level ahead of Friday prayers in the Old City.
Police Commissioner Dudu Cohen said at the scene, "East Jerusalem security is at its maximum level, and people can come visit."
Ten wounded in shooting attack in Old City of Jerusalem
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