‘There was serious risk’ to parade-goers, Jerusalem police chief says

Jerusalem police chief Yoram Halevy says “there was a serious risk of danger to those participating [in the Jerusalem pride parade,” in the wake of a police revelation earlier today that the religious extremist who killed a teenager at last year’s parade had plotted a fresh attack this year with his brother.

“We have information that indicated he intended to cause harm to the march,” Halevy tells Channel 2, adding that “a number of people… tried to enter the area of the march in order to prevent it taking place as planned. They were stopped and arrested before they reached the area of the march.”

He says police are “working at our full capacity and with the highest possible alertness.”

“We want everyone to be able to march and take part in the event in peace. The area is fully protected and we will continue to ensure that,” he says.