Sniper hits Easter crowd; Arabs riot in holy city

A Jewish-American gunman in an Israeli army uniform opened fire on crowds at Jerusalem's Omar Mosque during Passover and Easter Sunday celebrations, killing two people, according to Israeli radio. As many as 60 were reportedly injured, some as a result of an Arab riot that erupted after the incident.

Police said the sniper was an American-born reserve for the Israeli army, and radio reports said he had immigrated to Israel six years ago.

The incident, which occurred as thousands of people flocked into the walled city, set off angry demonstrations by Arab residents complaining that Israeli authorities failed to keep a pledge to protect Islamic shrines. Later, police fired tear-gas and shots in the air to break up a crowd of about 1,000 Arabs gathered at the temple with knives and iron bars.