On Wednesday, Tunisian authorities launched an investigation into a shooting at a synagogue that killed twJewishsh pilgrims and three members of the country’s security forces.
Tunisia: Authorities open an investigation into shooting attack at synagogue
The motive of the gunman, whose guards were killed before he could enter the building on the island of Djerba, is unknown.
The island’s historic Ghriba synagogue, which is considered to be one of the world’s oldest Jewish temples, is a popular pilgrimage destination, but it was unclear if the assailant, a member of the Tunisian national guard, specifically targeted Jews in Tuesday’s assault.
According to a medical official cited by Tunisia’s Tap news agency, the death toll from the assault increased to five on Wednesday when a guard who was hospitalized in the immediate aftermath died of his injuries. In Djerba, four other members of Tunisia’s security forces are hospitalized, one of whom is in critical condition.
According to the Tunisian interior ministry, four civilians were wounded.