2009 Tel Aviv gay centre shooting
| 2009 Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Association centre shooting | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Tel Aviv branch of The Aguda (Israeli GLBT Association), Nahmani Street, Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Date | 1 August 2009 22:40 |
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Attack type
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Shooting |
| Deaths | 2 |
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Non-fatal injuries
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At least 15 |
| Perpetrators | Unknown |
The 2009 Tel Aviv gay centre shooting resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to at least fifteen others at the Tel Aviv branch of the Israeli LGBT Association, at the "Bar-Noar" (Hebrew: ברנוער, "Youth Bar"), on Nahmani Street in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 1 August 2009. A 26-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were killed. Three deaths were mentioned in earlier reports of the incident but one has since been discounted.
Most of the injured were minors; six were in serious condition. The city was subject to a "clampdown" after the attacks, and several hundred police launched a manhunt to locate the killer(s). In June 2013, Hagai Felician was charged over the murder, but the Police retracted its allegations in March 2014, after revealing its key witness fabricated evidence.
The shooting sparked widespread condemnation, with one lawmaker calling it the worst attack against the gay community in Israel's history. The location of the attack—at the heart of what is seen as Israel's most liberal city— resulted in protests by the gay community.
On the evening of August 1 at around 23:00, an unknown person with firearms entered the Aguda building in Tel Aviv, opened fire on the crowd attending a "Youth Get Together" event, and immediately escaped by foot. Two people were killed, and fifteen were wounded. Police launched a search campaign to find the shooter, and in addition immediately closed most entertainment locations for the gay community that operated during the same time of the shooting for fear of additional shooting.
The building was frequented by gay teenagers who engaged in social activities and listened to music. The centre was small with one terrace, thus preventing anyone from escaping. Attendees instead hid under a bed and tables as shots were fired. Israeli television said the crime scene was a "bloodbath". Five of the injured were treated at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, while five were treated at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon.
The shooter was masked, dressed in black and used a pistol to carry out the attack. It was not believed his motive was related to nationalist terrorism. The city's gay community stated the killer had a homophobic motive, while police criticized them for rushing to make declarations about incitement being the cause. Police were also investigating leads that the attack may have been due to a personal feud.
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Wikipedia