The Attack
Two gunmen launched an abrupt and brutal assault on unsuspecting individuals at the bus stop. Witnesses and security footage revealed that the assailants started shooting into the crowd and even targeted a bus, igniting sheer panic among bystanders. Law enforcement and emergency teams responded swiftly. The Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulance service reported that four men were pronounced dead at the scene, while a woman in her 50s later died after being evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. A sixth victim was confirmed by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Among the wounded was a pregnant woman, intensifying the emotional shock of the attack. (People.com, AP News)
Casualties & Medical Response
- Six people killed, including individuals of varying ages and backgrounds. Media sources later identified one of the victims as a Spanish national. (Wikipedia, The Wall Street Journal, People.com)
- Injuries ranged from mild to serious. MDA confirmed that nine people were hospitalized: six in serious condition, two in moderate, and one in mild condition. (People.com, AP News)
- Other media noted up to 11 or even 12 injured, reflecting the chaotic circumstances and varying updates from different responders. (The Wall Street Journal, AP News, Aftenposten, ABC News)
Perpetrators and Security Response
Authorities identified the two attackers as Palestinians from the West Bank, likely hailing from villages near Ramallah specifically al Qubeiba and Qatanna. (Wikipedia, Globedge) The assailants were armed with Carlo submachine guns, improvised firearms often produced in West Bank workshops. (Wikipedia)
The attackers were neutralized on the spot by an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier accompanied by an armed civilian. (The Sun, AP News, Reuters, Wikipedia) Additionally, a third suspect was reportedly arrested after the attack. (AP News)
Government and Political Reaction
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was en route to a corruption trial, redirected to the scene, offered condolences and reaffirmed Israel’s posture amid what he described as a “full scale war against terror on multiple fronts.” (AP News, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal)
In response, the IDF launched operations in nearby West Bank areas, particularly around Ramallah, to prevent further attacks and detain potential accomplices. (People.com, The Wall Street Journal, AP News)
Reactions and Tensions
The attack quickly drew widespread condemnation internationally. Notably, Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed that one of its nationals was among the fatalities. (Wikipedia, The Wall Street Journal, People.com)
Domestically, Hamas praised the attackers as “resistance fighters”, although no militant group officially assumed responsibility. The Palestinian Authority rejected any involvement in the attack. (The Wall Street Journal, AP News, Reuters, Aftenposten)
Context and Significance
This shooting stands as one of the deadliest in Jerusalem in recent years, against a backdrop of escalating violence amid the ongoing Gaza war and heightened West Bank tensions. (AP News, Reuters, Wikipedia)
Summary
On the morning of September 8, 2025, a chilling act of violence unfolded in Jerusalem that left six people dead and several others wounded. The attack took place during the morning rush hour at Ramot Junction, a busy intersection in northern East Jerusalem. According to reports from People, the first casualties were discovered around 10:13 a.m. local time, when emergency responders arrived following reports of gunfire at a bus stop on Yigal Yadin Street.
