The Arab terrorist suspected of stabbing two Jewish youths on the night of Shavuot was named Thursday as John Kakaish, 20, a resident of the Old City of Jerusalem.
In the wee hours of Shavuot, on Sunday May 24, two 17-year-olds were making their way to the Western Wall, for the Shavuot tikkun, or all-night Torah study. Kakish pulled a knife on the pair, stabbing them on Beyt Habad Street, before escaping.
Police forces from the Mehav David precinct in the capital as well as Border Patrol officers were called to the scene and immediately began searching for the perpetrator, scanning video footage for clues.
One such video revealed Kakish on camera walking back and forth. When he saw the two youths walking to the Western Wall, he approached them, pulled a knife from his pocket, stabbed them and fled.
In the process of fleeing, Kakaish threw his jacket and the knife into an alleyway. Once having returned him, he showered, shaved and changed clothes in the hopes it would make it more difficult for the police to find him.
Upon his arrest, Kakaish related to police that he had carried out the attack out of a desire to harm Jews.
An examination of his Facebook page revealed posts encouraging an Arab takeover of Jerusalem, and calls to unify in order to liberate "Palestine" and Jerusalem.
Kakaish's remand was extended by the Jerusalem's Magistrate's Court until Monday, whereupon the state is expected to file attempted murder and tampering with evidence charges against him.