cross-posted from: https://ibbit.at/post/71641

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued a statement admitting that his force was responsible for the two people shot during yesterday’s attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

GMP statement

In a statement, Stephen Watson said that the pathologist has found that one of the people killed died of a gunshot wound and another was wounded – and that the attacker had no firearms:

Following the terrorist incident yesterday at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, Middleton Road, Crumpsall; further and urgent enquiries continue.

Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office Pathologist ahead of full post mortem examinations scheduled for later today.

The Home Office Pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined, that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.

It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.

It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.

We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital, has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond. Specialist officers are providing support and care for all of those directly affected, including our brave first responders.

Manchester: weaponised

Pro-Israel groups and right-wing corporate media have leaped to smear anti-genocide ‘hate’ marchers as responsible for the tragic deaths:

Meanwhile, the Met Police have tried to use the attack to ban this weekend’s anti-genocide protest.

This is not the first time that victims and unarmed people have suffered from GMP action.

Last year, a lone Black man was attacked by far-right thugs – and GMP officers targeted the Black man as he tried to protect himself. In 2012, armed GMP officers shot and killed unarmed Anthony Grainger – a public inquiry condemned the force’s ‘serious deficiencies in its firearms unit. And in 2018, GMP officers attacked striking bus workers, despite being warned that the attack was being filmed.

Featured image via the Canary

By Skwawkbox

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