3 killed in shooting at Tel Aviv market; 2 arrested

[Breaking news update, posted at 5:17 p.m. ET]

The Tel Aviv attackers were dressed as Hasidic Jews, according to a law enforcement source briefed by Israeli officials.

[Previous update, posted at 5:03 p.m. ET]

At least three people were killed in a shooting Wednesday night at one of Tel Aviv’s most-popular outdoor markets, Israeli authorities said.

The three dead are Israelis, Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said in a statement.

Two terrorists have been captured, Rosenfeld said on Twitter. One of the suspected attackers was shot at the scene, the second was arrested and both are being questioned, he told CNN.

Six people were injured, said Dr. Gil Fire, deputy director of Ichilov Hospital. The injured suspect also is at the hospital. Five people are in serious condition, Fire said.

Information about a motive wasn’t immediately available.

The shooting occurred about 9 p.m. local time at Sarona Market, an entertainment district crowded with locals and tourists in food stalls, restaurants and cafes. The market is across the street from Israel’s Defense Ministry and main army headquarters.

The market area was cleared while officers searched for explosives, Rosenfeld said.

“Special patrol units are still working in the area to make sure there is no more danger,” he said. He said the situation was under control.

Rosenfeld said knife attacks have been more common lately, with the last shooting in Tel Aviv occurring months ago.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner issued a statement condemning the attack “in the strongest possible terms.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and our hopes for a quick recovery for those wounded,” he said. “These cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified. We are in touch with Israeli authorities to express our support and concern.”

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon called on the Security Council to condemn the attack.

“Today’s heinous attack sadly proves that when the international community refuses to condemn terror against Israelis, the next attack is only a matter of time,” he said in a statement. “Terror in Tel Aviv must be treated the same as terror in Paris or Istanbul.”

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