A man caught on video pointing a gun at protesters during Wednesday night’s Haredi road demonstrations was arrested, but a Jerusalem court ordered him released to house arrest. The incident took place on Route 1, where protesters were blocking traffic, and was described by police reporting as one of several unusual episodes during the nationwide protests.
Judge Ariel Erlich of the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court said the act was serious and created “great danger,” and he found there was reasonable suspicion of an offense. He also cited Supreme Court precedent about the danger posed by blocking roads, but ultimately accepted what he called the “unique circumstances” of the incident. According to his ruling, the suspect has no prior criminal record, the pistol was handed over to authorities, and there was no indication he would repeat the conduct.
In his written decision, Erlich said the suspect initially claimed the gun was only lying there, then said it had been pointed at the ground, and only after the video was shown did he admit it had been aimed at the protesters. He added that the offense allegedly occurred amid tension and panic, while law enforcement was not providing a response, and noted that the road block itself was a serious public hazard.
The suspect must appear for questioning and legal proceedings when summoned, remain under house arrest until June 29, stay away from everyone involved in the case, and post bail.
