Soldier murdered in mall shooting
Argument between two soldiers escalates into shooting at Beersheba Mall; one soldier dies after sustaining mortal gunshot wounds to the chest
Police forces have arrested a suspect and seized his weapon. The incident is believed to be criminal, although police sources stressed the investigation was ongoing.
According to available details, the incident, which took place at the mall's food curt, involved two Bedouin soldiers and began as an argument which quickly escalated. Once gunfire was reported, Police forces and Magen David Adom emergency services were called to the scene and promptly evacuated the mall.
MDA's Southern District Chief Yehuda Shoshan: "We arrived at the scene to find the injured man with no pulse. He was treated by EMTs and taken to Soroka. We initially believed this was a terror attack and initiated mass casualty event protocol, hence the massive emergency services sent to the scene."
Southern District Police Commander Yohanan Danino arrived at the scene as well: "This is a very serious event. Whenever we receive a report of an event like this, we operate under the premise that it's a terror attack.
"Police forces were immediately dispatched to the scene and the first officers to arrive found both the wounded (soldier) and the shooter," he said.
"Apparently, for reasons which have yet to be established, one soldier fired at the other, who is now hospitalized in critical condition. Since soldiers are involved, the Military Police will be heading this investigation, but we will lend them any assistance necessary."
"We were on the escalator just above the food court, when we saw a man come up to a soldier and fire at close range," an eyewitness told Ynet.
"Security guards arrived immediately and began chasing the shooter. Emergency services arrived within minutes and everyone was told to leave the mall."
Other eyewitnesses said both soldiers were drinking alcohol and that the argument was about money.
