JERUSALEM — A violent vehicular ramming attack in the heart of Jerusalem has left a son of former top U.S. counterterrorism official Michael Leiter severely injured and the assailant dead, according to authorities and Fox News reporting on the ground.
The incident occurred late Tuesday when a vehicle deliberately veered into a group of pedestrians near a busy thoroughfare. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they treated several victims for trauma. Among those struck was the son of Michael Leiter, who previously served as the director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Fox News foreign correspondent Jeff Paul, reporting from the scene, confirmed that the younger Leiter sustained significant injuries during the assault. He was immediately transported to a local medical facility, where he is currently undergoing treatment. While specific details regarding his condition have not been disclosed, officials have categorized his injuries as severe.
Security footage and eyewitness accounts suggest the driver accelerated toward the pedestrians with clear intent before striking them. The assailant, whose identity has not yet been publicly released by Israeli police, was engaged by security forces at the scene. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the region, reigniting concerns over the safety of both residents and high-profile visitors amidst a period of heightened regional tension. Israeli security officials have cordoned off the area to conduct a forensic investigation, treating the event as a targeted act of terrorism. Forensic teams were seen combing the wreckage of the vehicle and interviewing witnesses late into the night.
“This is a stark reminder of the volatile security environment that persists in the region,” Paul reported. “The fact that a high-profile target’s family member was involved has brought even greater scrutiny to the incident.”
The U.S. State Department and the Israeli Embassy in Washington have not yet released comprehensive statements, though sources indicate that communication is ongoing between U.S. diplomatic officials and their Israeli counterparts regarding the medical status of the victims.
The attack comes amid a fragile security climate in Jerusalem, where authorities have been on high alert for “lone-wolf” style violence. Israeli police have increased their patrol presence in sensitive areas, bracing for potential fallout or copycat incidents.
As of early Wednesday morning, the street where the attack took place remained shuttered as investigators work to determine if the driver acted alone or was part of a broader network. Further updates on the condition of the injured victims are expected as doctors conclude their assessments.
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