Jerusalem synagogue shooting: At least 5 dead after gunman opens fire, Israel police say

A shooting near a synagogue in Jerusalem on Friday evening has left at least seven people dead and several wounded, including at least one child. 

The suspect who started shooting when he entered the synagogue was killed by police, Israeli police said. 

Police are searching for any other suspects. 

The shooter a Palestinian from East Jerusalem tried to escape in his car but was chased by police as he tried to escape on foot and was shot. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been updated on the attack and will convene a special security situation assessment shortly.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters during Friday’s briefing that the White House recognized “the very real security challenges facing Israel and the Palestinian Authority. That is something that we recognize and condemn terrorist groups planning and carrying out attacks against innocent civilians. And that is something that you will continue to hear from us, and we will be consistent on that.”

She continued “We also regret the loss of innocent lives and … and injuries to civilians and are deeply concerned by the escalating cycle of violence in the West Bank over the past few days. Our administration has been closely engaged with the Israeli and Palestinian Authority on the recent violence and to urge de-escalation.”

Israeli authorities say a 70-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man are in critical condition, a 20-year-old man is in serious condition, a 14-year-old boy is in moderate to severe condition and a 60-year-old woman is in moderate condition, the MDA, Israel’s emergency medical service, said. 

On Thursday the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement in Gaza fired rockets into Israel that were intercepted by its Iron Dome system and no injuries were reported. In retaliation, Israeli jets struck Gaza on Friday. 

That came a day after the Palestinian Authority announced it was ending security cooperation with Israel following a deadly raid at a refugee camp that left 10 Palestinians dead. 

Scroll to Top