Public Inquiry Identifies Key Missed Opportunities in Preventing Tragedy
A public inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing has uncovered significant “missed opportunities” regarding the security measures in place at the venue. Sir John Saunders, who chairs the inquiry, stated that the arrangements for the Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017, “should have prevented or minimized the devastating impact of the attack.” He emphasized that the existing security protocols failed to achieve this aim.
The inquiry report, which spans nearly 200 pages, details shortcomings involving British Transport Police, arena operators SMG, and the security firm Showsec. Sir John highlighted five key “missed opportunities,” with a potential sixth, where appropriate actions could have been taken to significantly change the outcome of the tragic event, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals.
In particular, he noted that Salman Abedi should have been identified as a threat by those responsible for the arena’s security, warranting a disruptive intervention that could have altered the course of the attack.
