An attempted terror attack was thwarted in Jerusalem early Friday morning. Police said a 33-year-old eastern Jerusalem resident approached a security force near Damascus Gate in the Old City and attempted to stab Border Police officers using a knife.
The Border Police officers opened fire and neutralized the terrorist, who was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no injuries among the Israeli forces.
Jerusalem District Police Commander Maj. Gen. Avshalom Peled arrived at the scene and conducted a special situational assessment.
The attempted attack took place just hours after traditional Selichot prayers concluded at the Western Wall plaza, with more than 50,000 people in attendance.
Due to the unprecedented crowds that arrived for the central Selichot service at the Western Wall plaza, the event was broadcast live on the walls of the Old City and at Jaffa Gate, allowing thousands of people who were unable to enter the plaza to take part in the prayers from the entrances to the Old City.