Manchester Arena Bomber’s Death Ruled Suicide Amid Outcry from Victims’ Families
An inquest into Salman Abedi’s death has confirmed the Manchester Arena bomber died by suicide while carrying out his horrific terrorist attack. The blast killed 22 innocent victims and left many more injured.
But families of five victims are demanding the record show more than just “suicide”. They want Abedi’s death labelled as an unlawful killing too, recognising the full horror of what he did.
Victims’ Families Demand Justice in the Verdict
Lawyers representing the grieving families told Sir John Saunders, chairman of the inquiry, that calling Abedi’s death merely suicide misses the brutal truth. They say the conclusion must acknowledge that his final act was a murderous rampage.
Among the slain was just eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos, whose death stunned the nation. She was attending an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 when Abedi exploded a shrapnel-packed homemade bomb, raining deadly nuts and bolts on the crowd.
How the Inquest Unfolded
Abedi’s remains were carried away in four body bags and taken to Royal Liverpool Hospital for a post-mortem. Identification came via DNA from a previous arrest in 2012.
Sir John, acting as coroner, said:
“The deceased died at 10.31pm on May 22, 2017, in the City Room of the Manchester Arena. In detonating the device, the deceased murdered 22 innocent victims and injured many others.”
Brothers, Inquiry, and Failures Revealed
- Abedi’s brother Hashem is serving life in prison with a minimum 55-year term for his role in the attack.
- The official Manchester Arena Public Inquiry highlighted serious security failings that might have stopped the bombing.
- Reports also slammed emergency response on the night for shortcomings during the chaos.
The families’ call for fresh wording on Abedi’s death verdict underscores the lasting pain and demand for full truth on that tragic night.
