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A spiritual leader has recounted the moment when a individual attempted to barge into his city synagogue during a fatal assault, stating "I witnessed malevolence, I witnessed hatred".

Rabbi Daniel Walker explained that he and congregation members held the entrances of the worship house as Jihad Al-Shamie was "ramming the entrances, hurling weighty plant pots, doing everything he was able to to enter".

Commending the quick-thinking of those at the synagogue, he remarked: "I observed true courage, I must declare, and worshippers who rushed to assist other people rather than running away. It was astonishing."

A 53-year-old man, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both succumbed after the attacker struck individuals and attacked a person on that day.

• Several people remain in medical care with critical wounds.
• Police have named Jihad Al-Shamie, who was killed at the scene, as the attacker and are classifying the incident as a terror-related event.

"I saw malevolence": The cleric recounts moment of synagogue incident

Rabbi Walker mentioned that the occurrence happened before the holiday observance was in underway, and afterwards there would have been many of attendees in the congregation.

He remarked: "Unless one gentleman in particular did not act as promptly as he did and got the entrances secured, we can envision what would have transpired."

Explaining how the incident transpired, he said a number of people held the doors secured from the within to make sure the attacker was unable to gain entry.

At some point after the police reached the scene, the cleric mentioned two additional individuals inside the structure were injured.

One man was fatally shot and a different individual wounded by officer gunfire, local authorities has confirmed.

A statement from the agency named the man killed by law enforcement as the victim.

Conversing to the press, the cleric stated he would do his best to extend solace to the families of those who died and the broader society.

"There is fear but there is also support", he said.

"I am convinced and wish that we can give comfort and faith. I believe very deeply that we should not allow this to overcome us".

The prime minister and observers have applauded the cleric and the security guards as "heroes" for their actions.

When questioned if he saw himself as a brave person, he said: "I doubt that is accurate".

Nevertheless, a witness at the location stated the rabbi had been serene the entire time as he and others directed the assembly to safety.

The relatives of the deceased has also offered praise to their "courageous person" who lost his life during "the deed of courage to save fellow human beings".

"The family is stunned by the tragic, unexpected death of such a lovely down to earth person" the statement noted, as the loved ones asked for solitude to grieve.

Key Information About the City Temple Assault

• Various individuals exhibited remarkable courage during the event
• Authorities are investigating the assault as terrorist-driven
• The public has demonstrated both fear and significant solidarity in the wake of the event