Yerushalayim Stabbing Attack Leaves Security Guard in Critical Condition

An Israeli security guard was seriously wounded in what police called a terror stabbing attack outside the Central Bus Station in Yerusahalyim and is in critical condition. The terrorist was neutralized, police said. The terrorist is in police custody. The victim was identified as 40-year-old Asher Elmaliach of Yerushalayim. He was taken to Shaare Tzedek hospital for treatment, where doctors upgraded his condition to critical.

All are asked to daven for Asher ben Chavah, for a refuah sheleimah.

Security personnel closed the area around the bus station, halting traffic in the area. Rescue personnel treated several people who reportedly were suffering from shock.

Police said that the terrorist walked up to the main entrance of the Central Bus Station at about 2:15 p.m. He pulled out a knife and stabbed a security guard, striking him in the upper part of his body. The terrorist ran away, down Jaffa Road, in an attempt to escape – with his knife trailing blood. An Israeli man, together with a police officer, pursued the terrorist, subduing him.

The terrorist is a 24-year-old resident of Palestinian Authority-controlled areas of Yehudah and Shomron. Police said that he was a resident of Shechem, and that he had an Israeli work permit, which allowed him to work in Yerushalayim. Police are examining whether the attack is related to the recognition last week of U.S. President Donald Trump of Yerushalayim as Israel’s capital. There was significant rioting over the weekend in response to the announcement. If it is found to be related, it would be the first terror incident related to the announcement.