Police: Victims of bulldozer attack killed before first shot fired

Police investigation concludes that in contrast to initial belief, three victims were crushed to death before first shot fired at terrorist

Efrat Weiss

Published: 07.11.08, 01:03 / Israel News

Jerusalem Police completed the investigation of the Jerusalem bulldozer attack on Thursday, and determined that the three victims of the attack were crushed to death during the first stage of the incident, before Israeli security forces were able to open fire at the terrorist. The terrorist's body has not yet been released for burial.

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Some family members of those killed in the attack have claimed that the first police officer who shot the terrorist should have confirmed the kill in order to end the murderous rampage. One member of the Unterman family, who mourned the loss of their daughter, Batsheva, slammed the police officer's actions.

"I have no doubt that he was thinking – I won't shoot him, because otherwise I'll be tried. There is an awful problem here. It cost my family member her life. This hesitancy cost Batsheva her life," he said.

The police report, however, paints a different picture. The investigation concluded that the three had been murdered before the terrorist stopped the bulldozer when he was shot by Officer Elinor Nahum, who hit him with two bullets. Officer Shadi Daoud's quick response prevented the cost of more civilian lives by cutting short the bulldozer's rampage.

The report also found that the terrorist regained consciousness after being struck by a rock thrown by a civilian present at the scene. He was finally killed by an off-duty IDF soldier, who has asked not to be named, and SWAT officer Eli Mizrahi. Their actions were commended by Jerusalem Police Chief, Cmdr. Aharon Franco, who praised their determination, immediate response, and decision to engage the terrorist.

Police further stated that the attack was handled well, and that this was due in part to the conclusions drawn from the attack at Mercaz Harav yeshiva. When the presentation of the investigation was concluded Cmdr. Franco commended the cooperation between police and rescue forces at the scene.

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