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Tel Aviv Gunman Kills 2 at Gay Center

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 1, 2009 7:41 PM CDT

(Newser) – A gunman burst into a gay community center in Tel Aviv tonight and opened fire, killing two teenagers and wounding 15 with a machine gun, the Jerusalem Post reports. Police have launched a manhunt for the masked assailant, who is not believed to be a terrorist. "Today, someone sent a message that gays in Tel Aviv and Israel are not safe," said gay rights activist Yaniv Weisman.

"They came to this center from across the country to talk to one another and receive help," said Weisman, in tears. "Someone knew what they were doing when they came here." Members of the gay community wandered around in shock as paramedics tended to victims, two of whom were in critical condition. Protesters gathered outside with candles and signs. One read, "Love is allowed, killing is forbidden."

An injured man is treated as he is brought into Ichilov hospital following a shooting in a gay club on August 1, 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
An injured man is treated as he is brought into Ichilov hospital following a shooting in a gay club on August 1, 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel.   (Getty Images)
An injured man is treated as he is brought into Ichilov hospital following a shooting in a gay club on August 1, 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
An injured man is treated as he is brought into Ichilov hospital following a shooting in a gay club on August 1, 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel.   (Getty Images)
Israeli police officers and rescue work in a site of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009.
Israeli police officers and rescue work in a site of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Israeli police officers and rescue work in a site of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009.
Israeli police officers and rescue work in a site of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
An injured man is treated as he is brought into Ichilov hospital following a shooting in a gay club on August 1, 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
An injured man is treated as he is brought into Ichilov hospital following a shooting in a gay club on August 1, 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Stuart
Aug 2, 2009 11:48 AM CDT
Terrorists kill to terrorize others. It has nothing to do with Muslis. Baruch Goldstein, the Jew who went into the mosque and shot Muslims was condemmend as a terrorist by Israeli media anfd government. - But hey, why deal with the truth if it doesnt slam Israel, right?
Sphinx
Aug 2, 2009 8:21 AM CDT
We can't label people as terrorists unless they're Arab or Muslim? Disgusting.
asapin
Aug 2, 2009 6:50 AM CDT
thank you meliska

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