Six Stabbed at Jerusalem Pride March

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man stabbed at least six people during a Pride march in Jerusalem today, reports the Washington Blade. At least two of those victims suffered serious injuries, with one woman reportedly critically wounded. 

Calling the attack "horrific," organizing group Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance's development director Tom Canning told the Blade that at least four people were injured by the man. 

Israeli newspaper Haaretz identified the suspect as Yishai Shlissel, who stabbed three people at a Jerusalem Pride march in 2003. Shlissel was recently released from prison after serving a 10-year-sentence for attempted murder and aggravated assault related to that attack. 

Upon being released, Schlissel had returned to his hometown, where he began distributing "hand-written pamphlets in which he called on 'all Jews faithful to God' to risk 'beatings and imprisonment' for the sake of preventing the parade," according to Haaretz.

As an estimated 5,000 people gathered to mark the annual Pride celebration with a parade through the streets of Jerusalem, Schlissel approached marchers on Keren Hayesod Street and began screaming, then pulled a knife from his coat and began stabbing his victims. Haaretz notes that a police officer was able to tackle the suspect and arrest him. 

Despite the violent outburst, organizers decided to continue the march. 

This story is developing. Check back for updates.