Terror in the Playground: Ashkelon Teen Fires at Kindergarten Children; One Wounded | WATCH

Police in the southern city of Ashkelon have launched an active investigation following a frightening incident in which an individual pointed a toy rifle at a local kindergarten and opened fire. The perpetrator discharged rubber bullets toward the group of children, resulting in a direct hit to one of the young pupils.

The victim, a child attending the preschool, was struck in the face during the assault. According to initial reports, the child sustained an injury to the forehead. While the weapon used has been identified as a toy or imitation rifle, the force of the rubber projectiles was enough to cause physical harm and significant distress to the children and staff present at the scene.

Details of the Incident and Police Response

Witnesses described the moment the suspect aimed the weapon through the fence of the educational facility, intentionally targeting the children who were playing in the yard. Local law enforcement was summoned to the area immediately after the shooting occurred. Officers began collecting evidence and searching for the suspect, who fled the scene shortly after the injury was inflicted.

This event in Ashkelon has caused a wave of anxiety among parents and educators, particularly given the high-alert status of the country. With the ongoing war against Hamas terrorists, many in the community are sensitive to any form of armed threat, even those involving imitation weapons. Local authorities have emphasized that they view any attack on an educational institution with extreme severity, regardless of the type of weapon used.

Community Concerns and Next Steps

The injured child received medical attention for the forehead wound, and although the physical injury is being treated, the emotional impact on the kindergarten class is a primary concern for local welfare services. Counselors are expected to work with the children and their families to address the trauma of being targeted in what should be a safe environment.

Police investigators are currently reviewing security camera footage from the surrounding streets in an effort to identify the individual responsible for the shooting. They are also looking into whether this was a targeted act of harassment or a reckless prank gone wrong. No arrests have been made at this time, but officials have promised a swift and thorough pursuit of justice to ensure the safety of Ashkelon's youngest residents.