'Justice was done' - Family of slain IDF soldier after killer shot dead in second attack

Udai Tamimi killed IDF solder Noa Lazar last week. On Wednesday, after 11 days on the run, he tried to kill another Israeli and was stopped.

OCTOBER 19, 2022 20:19

Updated: OCTOBER 19, 2022 23:17

Police and rescue personnel at the scene of a terror attack at the entrance to the Jewish settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim, outside of Jerusalem, October 19, 2022. (photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90) — Police and rescue personnel at the scene of a terror attack at the entrance to the Jewish settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim, outside of Jerusalem, October 19, 2022.

(photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)

The manhunt for the Shuafat checkpoint killer came to an end on Wednesday night when he was shot dead in a failed shooting attack at the entrance to Ma’aleh Adumim, south of the Israeli capital.

The terrorist, east Jerusalem resident 22-year-old Udai Tamimi, arrived at the entrance to the West Bank city and opened fire at nearby security personnel. According to United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Akiva Skolnick, the terrorist was killed by returning fire from the guards. A grenade and knife were found on his person.

"Two highly experienced security guards that were at the checkpoint at the city entrance neutralized the terrorist immediately, with bravery and a lot of resourcefulness and without fear."
Ma’aleh Adumim mayor Benny Kashriel

The shooter was responsible for the killing of 18-year-old Military Police officer Noa Lazar on October 8 when he opened fire at a checkpoint near the Jerusalem neighborhood of Shuafat . A 30-year-old security guard remains in intensive care, sedated and on a ventilator. A third person, a soldier, was also injured.

For 11 days, security forces had been searching for Tamimi. Israel Police, Shin Bet and Border Police had arrested several people suspected of aiding the terrorist on Monday night, seizing weapon parts, cartridges and vests.

Lazar's family thanked security forces for their work after the attack at Ma’aleh Adumim.

"With his death, the circle has been closed, and justice was done quickly," the family said in a statement, according to Ynet. "The family thanks the nation of Israel for the support it received in these difficult moments."

One of the guards was injured from the volley of bullets fired by Tamimi on Wednesday night's Ma’aleh Adumim attack. Magen David Adom said that it was treating a 24-year-old male for a gunshot wound in his hand.

"Miracle" defense by security guards

"We had a miracle and a lot of luck this evening," said Ma’aleh Adumim mayor Benny Kashriel. "Two highly experienced security guards that were at the checkpoint at the city entrance neutralized the terrorist immediately, with bravery and a lot of resourcefulness and without fear. The moment the terrorist began shooting at them, the security guards identified him, and shot him."

"Maale Adumim will not surrender to terrorism," Kashriel continued. "We'll continue to protect ourselves and won't let terrorism disrupt our lives. Together, united, we will defeat terrorism."

Prime Minister Yair Lapid praised security forces for the "elimination" of Tamimi.

"We will not rest until we get our hands on every terrorist that has harmed Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers," said Lapid. "We'll act hard and without hesitation against terrorism."

Recent attacks on security checkpoints

The shooter's modus operandi of attacking checkpoints has been followed in several shooting attacks on Israeli security positions at the entrance of towns in recent weeks.

A few days later, soldier St.-Sgt. Ido Baruch was killed in a drive-by shooting near the Shavei Shomron settlement in the northern West Bank. Baruch's killer has still not been caught.

Anna Ahronheim and Shira Silkoff contributed to this report.

This is a developing story.