48-year-old victim sedated, in ICU following surgery in wake of Friday’s brutal ax attack at Ma’ale Adumim mall

The West Bank settlement of Ma'ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, July 29, 2015. (Garrett Mills/Flash 90)
The West Bank settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, July 29, 2015. (Garrett Mills/Flash 90)

 

A security guard remained in very serious condition Saturday night, almost two days after a brutal terror attack in the West Bank settlement of Ma’ale Adumim left him in a critical state.

A spokesperson for Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem said that the 48-year-old man was sedated and in intensive care after undergoing surgery, Israel Radio reported.

The guard, who was unarmed, was attacked inside the town’s mall late Thursday night. He was struck multiple times in the head and upper body with an ax. The attacker fled the scene.

A manhunt to find the assailant was still ongoing.

The victim was taken to Hadassah unconscious and in critical condition, and was attached to artificial respiration.

Walla news reported that the attack occurred inside the mall’s offices, and police were investigating how the armed assailant had managed to reach the site unimpeded.

Police closed off the town following the attack, and said Palestinian laborers would not be allowed to enter until Sunday. But, according to Channel 10 on Saturday, that ban was later extended until Thursday, with the exception of “essential staff.”