Jerusalem shooting: Two wounded at Israeli capital's central bus station

One person in their 30s was seriously wounded, while another was lightly wounded.

 The aftermath of a terror attack in Jerusalem, January 18, 2024 (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
The aftermath of a terror attack in Jerusalem, January 18, 2024
(photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)

Two people were wounded as gunfire was heard in Jerusalem's central bus station on Thursday evening, according to witnesses on the scene.

One person in their 30s was seriously wounded, while another was lightly wounded.

The perpetrator of the attack was found to be the suspect in the murder of a tourist on Thursday morning on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv. 

Background on the incident

Prior to the incident, the perpetrator was questioned by the police at the Jerusalem central bus station, as he was found by them covered in blood on his hands and his face. 

While being questioned, the perpetrator pulled out a large knife and began to move towards the police officers suddenly.

Due to the sudden movement, the police officers fired at him while security guards on the scene fired as well. 

Eyewitnesses on the scene said that a security guard for the bus station shot an assailant three times as he advanced from the direction of the train station.

A large concentration of emergency services was seen in the area, with bus station security urging travelers not to linger.

An Egged bus in front of the Jerusalem Central Bus Station (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
An Egged bus in front of the Jerusalem Central Bus Station (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

Eyewitnesses describe the nature of the attack

There is a general sense of confusion, even among eyewitnesses, about the motive, status, and identity of the person who was shot.

“They’re saying it’s criminal, how can they say it’s criminal? I saw him take out a knife,” said an angered resident. “Why, just because he has Israeli citizenship?”

“I saw him lying there injured,“ said a beggar who was standing in front of the station.

The nature of the incident is currently unclear. According to police, the incident is criminal.

This is a developing story.