Jay StrubbergThe U.S. State Department says the 3-month-old baby killed in a suspected terrorist attack in Jerusalem was reportedly an American citizen.
Wednesday evening, a Palestinian man drove onto a sidewalk in a busy intersection in Jerusalem, plowed through several passengers and crashed into a light rail station, injuring eight people and killing the American infant.
A medic and first responder described the incident from eyewitness accounts: "They said the car came out of nowhere. The stroller flew into the air and the baby was found 10 meters away from the stroller.”
One woman is also reportedly in serious condition while others suffered minor injuries. After the accident, police say the suspected terrorist tried to flee the area but they gunned him down. He was taken to a hospital and later died from the wounds. (Video via YouTube / tazpit tazpit)
The U.S. government hasn't released any further details about the American baby and hasn't said if they plan any kind of response. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities do believe the incident was an act of terrorism.
An Israeli official is quoted by RT saying, "The driver ... has a terrorist background. He has served time in jail for terror activity."
And the spokesperson for Israel's Prime Minister's Office said the 21-year-old suspect was, in fact, a member of Hamas. (Video via BBC)
Shortly after the alleged attack, the Times of Israel says dozens of masked Palestinians took to the streets in nearby neighborhoods where they vandalized cars and set off fireworks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered increased security in the area and placed blame on Hamas for inciting the violence.
This video includes images Getty Images.
