[PHOTOS AND VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Sunday morning 11 Tammuz was quick to praise the actions of Jerusalem light rail security personnel, who B’chasdei Hashem prevented a terror attack. They detected a suspicious Palestinian terrorist in his 20s at the light rail station on Yafo Street near King George Street. They mayor had the agents brought to City Hall to personally meet them and praise them, accompanied by the Jerusalem Police Chief.

Mayor Barkat commented “This morning, a large-scale terror attack was prevented thanks to the alertness and professionalism of the Jerusalem Light Rail security staff. These security personnel are an integral part of the city’s protective shield against terrorists who seek to use fear and terror to disrupt our way of life.

“We will continue to pursue terrorists, while working to develop and strengthen Jerusalem. We call on the public to return to routine, remain vigilant, and never surrender to terror.

“We are proud of the Municipality’s security and the Jerusalem police for their dedication and willingness to risk their own lives in order to protect the people of our city. On behalf of the residents of Jerusalem, we thank you.”

In the video, which was released by the Jerusalem Police Spokesman Unit, we hear the security agent describe what occurred. Following is a loose translation.

Light Rail Security Agent

As a train approaches I sweep the station and detect a man wearing a hat, eyeglasses and a backpack leaning on the wall and looking left and right. I questioned him and decided something is wrong. I instructed him to remove the backpack but he refused. I used reasonable force and turned him around against the wall. I shouted appropriately and removed the backpack and opened it only to find a bomb. I got the suspect on the ground.

Police bomb demolition technician

They shouted at me ‘there is a terrorist down there’ and when I got there saw the security agents around a suspect on the ground and a bag next to him. We then dealt with the bomb as required.

A court-imposed gag order has been issued, prohibiting the publication of additional details in the case.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)