Two US citizens wounded in Jerusalem in fatal terrorist attack, ambassador says
Two US citizens were among the injured after a pair of explosions shocked both bus stops in Jerusalem at the height of rush hour Wednesday morning, the US ambassador to Israel confirmed.
The explosions injured at least 18 people and killed a Canadian-Israeli teenager in what Israeli police said was a Palestinian attack.
“Unfortunately, I can now confirm that two US citizens were among the victims of today’s terrorist attacks in Jerusalem,” the ambassador said. Tom Nides tweeted. “As we approach Thanksgiving, I am grateful that they have recovered. I pray for a peaceful holiday in the US, Jerusalem, or wherever you are celebrating.”
the first explosion happened just after 7 am local time in a crowded bus station. The Israeli police suspect that the bag of explosives was detonated remotely.
WHITE HOUSE CONDEMNS TERRORISM ATTACKS IN JERUSALEM
The second exploded about half an hour later in Ramot, a village in the north of the city. Police said one person died from his wounds and at least three were seriously injured in the explosions.
Police, who were looking for the suspects in the attack, said their initial findings showed that explosive devices with shrapnel were placed at two sites. Police said additional officers were sent to the city after the bombings.
WHITE HOUSE CONDEMNS TERRORISM ATTACKS IN JERUSALEM
The deceased was identified as Aryeh Shupak, aged 15, who was on his way to Jewish Seminary when there was an explosion, according to the notice of his death. According to Canadian Ambassador to Israel Lisa Stadelbauer, Shchupak was also a Canadian citizen.
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Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said Israel would hunt down the attackers.
“They can run, they can hide – it won’t help them,” he said in a statement. “We will punish them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Ronn Blitzer of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.