Suspected Terror Attack Attempt in Lod: Man Shot Dead After Charging at Police Officer With a Knife

Lod resident  Sami Jasus, who is suspected of trying to stab a YASAM officer in the city this morning (Wednesday), died of his wounds after being shot by the officer. Police are investigating the incident as a possible terror attack. The investigation indicates that the suspect was known to police, and that two indictments had previously been filed against him for weapons and drug possession offenses.

At the same time, Commander of the Shfela police district, Cmdr. Kobi Mor, said that at this stage the possibility that the incident will be classified as a criminal case has not been ruled out, after police forces completed an initial analysis of the scene. Members of the suspect’s family claimed that he was dealing with mental illness and that he had been released about two months ago from hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital.

According to a police statement, officers on patrol spotted the suspect holding a knife and ordered him to stop. Instead of complying, he began running toward a YASAM unit operating in the area and, according to suspicion, tried to stab one of the officers. In response, the officer opened fire, neutralizing him.

Police said the officers recognized the suspect from prior encounters, and following the incident, large police forces were called to the scene and opened an investigation into the circumstances of the case.