Tel Aviv gay killings: Police consider ‘personal motive’
Police sources have reportedly said they are considering that the murderer of two gay people in a Tel Aviv gay support group for young people may have had a personal motive for the attack.
A further 15 people were injured on Saturday night when a gunman opened fire on the venue, which was holding a meeting for LGBT teenagers.
According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, a source said that police are considering that a personal feud may have been the motive, along with homophobia.
The source also said police do have a lead but added that the investigation is “still at an early stage”.
They said: “This tip has to be examined very carefully. We are still at an early stage in the investigation, and it’s too soon to say if this supposition is going to materialise.”
Meanwhile, a “senior Tel Aviv police source” criticised the reactions of the LGBT community, saying it had been too quick to blame homophobia.
They said: “They were too quick with the rallies and the slogans. It’s not at all clear – the motive for the attack may have been personal, rather than a general targeting of the community.”
Those killed were Nir Katz, 26, a youth counsellor, and Liz Troubishi, 17.
Eyewitnesses described the scene like a “slaughterhouse”, while Israeli media reported that the incident took place during a meeting for LGBT teenagers. Many of those present at the venue were not yet out to their families.
According to reports, a masked gunman dressed head to toe in black entered the venue, underneath Cafe Noir in Nachmani Street. He sprayed the interior of the venue with automatic rifle fire and reportedly attempted to enter another venue.
