update desk

Police neutralize terrorist vandalizing cars in Jerusalem

Police shot and wounded the suspect after he refused to remove his coat and began muttering “Allahu Akbar” (God is great).

A vehicle damaged in an act of suspected nationalistic vandalism on April 17, 2023 in the Neve Yakov neighborhood of Jerusalem. Credit: Police Spokesperson
A vehicle damaged in an act of suspected nationalistic vandalism on April 17, 2023 in the Neve Yakov neighborhood of Jerusalem. Credit: Police Spokesperson

Israeli police on Monday shot and wounded an eastern Jerusalem resident while attempting to place him under arrest for vandalizing vehicles in the city’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood.

According to police, when officers arrived on the scene, the suspect was wearing a coat and holding an unidentified object in his hand. As the officers confronted the suspect, a blast was heard, which according to a police spokesperson is believed to have been caused by a vehicle the suspect had set on fire. The suspect allegedly damaged at least 10 vehicles.

During the arrest procedure, the suspect refused to remove his coat and started muttering the Islamic phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), at which point an officer fired a single shot, neutralizing him, police said. He was evacuated to hospital for treatment.

The motive for the vandalism was determined to be nationalistic, and an investigation was opened into the incident.

Police shared pictures and video from the scene showing parked vehicles with smashed windows, side-view mirrors ripped off and other signs of vandalism.

A vehicle damaged in an act of suspected nationalist vandalism on April 17, 2023 in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem. Credit: Police Spokesperson.

Tensions have been high in Israel’s capital city during Ramadan, with rioting on the Temple Mount and terrorist groups threatening escalation. The month-long Islamic holiday ends on Friday with Eid al-Fitr.

Police announced on Monday that eight terrorist attacks had been thwarted so far during Ramadan, which overlapped this year with Passover and Easter.

Last week, police announced that they had foiled a stabbing in the city.

“You work around the clock and take care of the security of the Jerusalem district and I thank you for that,” Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said on Sunday night during a visit to police headquarters.

“During Passover, the police of the Jerusalem district acted to maintain the safety of the residents of the city of Jerusalem, worshippers and the many visitors who visited the city,” the Israel Police said in a statement.

In January, seven people were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack at a synagogue in the Neve Ya’akov neighborhood.

You have read 3 articles this month.
Register to receive full access to JNS.

Just before you scroll on...

Israel is at war. JNS is combating the stream of misinformation on Israel with real, honest and factual reporting. In order to deliver this in-depth, unbiased coverage of Israel and the Jewish world, we rely on readers like you. The support you provide allows our journalists to deliver the truth, free from bias and hidden agendas. Can we count on your support? Every contribution, big or small, helps JNS.org remain a trusted source of news you can rely on.

Become a part of our mission by donating today
Topics
Comments
Thank you. You are a loyal JNS Reader.
You have read more than 10 articles this month.
Please register for full access to continue reading and post comments.
Never miss a thing
Get the best stories faster with JNS breaking news updates