A 30-year-old policeman was killed and four other people were wounded in a suspected terrorist attack in central Israel on Tuesday.
The shooter was reportedly neutralized at the scene by an armed citizen, who, according to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Givr, had received his gun license three months ago.
According to initial reports, the shootings occurred in two locations on Highway 4 near Yavne, between Ashdod and Tel Aviv.
At 11:06, reports of shootings on Highway 4 near Yavne interchange and Nir Galim junction. MDA teams are treating and evacuating a 30-year-old in critical condition from Yavne, and a 42-year-old in moderate condition with glass injuries from Nir Galim to Assuta Hospital, Ashdod. pic.twitter.com/ue4tXBMksu
— Magen David Adom (@Mdais) October 15, 2024
Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah emergency rescue volunteers were on the scene of the attack providing initial treatment to the wounded.
The 30-year-old man was critically wounded at the Yavne interchange, according to MDA. He was transported to Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, where he was later declared dead.
A 42-year-old moderately injured by glass shards from gunfire striking his vehicle at the Nir Galim junction was transported for medical treatment, according to MDA. Channel 12 reported that he suffered injuries to his upper body and was being treated at Assuta.
A 37-year-old man is hospitalized in moderate condition at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot with a gunshot wound to the thigh, according to Channel 12.
Two more people were lightly wounded, including a doctor who was hit by a car while tending to one of the wounded individuals. He and another victim were in mild condition in Assuta, according to Channel 13.
Roadblocks were set up as police launched searches in the area to locate any additional wounded or suspects.
