US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman condemned the terror attack in Har Adar which left three Israelis dead and one wounded Tuesday, calling the shooting a “cruel” and “evil brutality” and an act of “unprovoked terrorism”.
“Once again, Israelis confront the cruel and evil brutality of unprovoked terrorism,” Friedman wrote on his Twitter account. “We pray for the victims at Har Adar and their families.”
The US Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Consul General in Jerusalem issued an official joint condemnation of the attack. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s horrific attack in Har Adar. We also condemn statements glorifying terrorism and call on all to send a clear message that terrorism must never be tolerated. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims who were killed and we hope for a quick and full recovery of the injured."
The attack, carried out by 37-year-old Beit Surik resident Nimer Mahmoud Ahmed Aljamal, took place at the back entrance of the town of Har Adar, northwest of Jerusalem.
Aljamal, who carried a work permit allowing him to enter Israeli towns in the Seam Line area along the Green Line separating pre-1967 Israel from Judea and Samaria, approached the back gate to Har Adar Tuesday morning carrying a concealed pistol. When security officers ordered him to halt for inspection, he drew the weapon and opened fire, killing three and wounding a fourth.
The victims include 20-year-old Border Police officer Sgt. Solomon Gaviria from Beer Yaakov, 25-year-old security guard Yusuf Ottman from the Israeli-Arab town of Abu Ghosh, and 25-year-old security guard Or Arish, from Har Adar.
A fourth victim was evacuated in serious condition to Ein Karem Hospital in Jerusalem.