The perpetrator, Ibrahim al-Akri, was a resident of Shuafat, held Israeli citizenship, and was a known supporter of Hamas.[2] His brother, Musa al-Akri, was a member of the Hamas cell that murdered border policeman Nissim Toledano in 1992. He was released from Israeli prison in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and exiled to Turkey.[4] The attack comes shortly after Ibrahim al-Akari was released from prison due to security concerns.[5] His family stated that his "martyrdom" was in response to the recent issues involving the Temple Mount.[6] His funeral was attended by thousands of Palestinians holding signs calling al-Akri a hero and a martyr, as well as calling for the death to more Israel Defense Forces' soldiers.[7]