News (USA)

Jerusalem Pride attacker is admitted to psych ward

Jerusalem Pride attacker is admitted to psych ward
Police arresting Schlissel after the attack.
Police arresting Schlissel after the attack. AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner

Gay Star News reports that the “ultra-Orthodox Jew” that attacked six people at Jerusalem Pride has been admitted to a psychiatric ward to decide whether or not he’s fit to stand trial.

Using a kitchen knife, Yishai Shlissel stabbed six marchers on July 30. Sixteen year-old Shira Banki, who was at the event to show support for her gay friends, died from her wounds three days later.

As has been widely reported, Shlissel was released from prison just three weeks prior to the attack, after having spent a decade behind bars for another knife attack at the 2005 Pride.

According to Israel National News, the fact that he was at the event at all can be chalked up to major mistakes made by the Israel Police and Israel Police Services. Shlissel was allegedly quite explicit about his intentions, and had even written them down two weeks prior. Authorities labeled him a “danger” but never asked him to report to police before or during this year’s march.

Meanwhile, extremist groups been hanging posters through Jerusalem praising theattack. One of them reads, “May all of the people of God be zealous as you.” Another quotes the Old Testament: “Whoever spills the blood of the wicked is as if he brought a sacrifice.”

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

AG Paxton no longer facing contempt hearing over gay rights

Previous article

A school principal fired this teacher for being gay.

Next article