American Basketball Player Films Terrifying Search for Shelter During Iranian Missile Attack in Jerusalem
An American basketball player based in Israel has shared chilling video footage documenting the terrifying moments when she struggled to locate a nearby safe room as Iranian missiles rained down on Jerusalem. Destiny Littleton, who plays basketball in Jerusalem following a college career with the University of South Carolina, posted videos showing her frantic attempts to find safety while warning sirens blared in the background.
Panic and Confusion Amid Missile Strikes
In the initial video, Littleton can be heard saying, 'I don't know if you guys can hear that, a siren is going off right now. This is the second siren of the day. I'm about to head to the shelter now... it feels very deserted. I'm about to head into the shelter now, as we speak.' She then films her view of the city, capturing what appeared to be a missile contrail in the sky above her.
'Do you guys see that? What is that? There's been stuff flying in the air but I can't see it because of the clouds. Look at those things over there,' she exclaimed. 'I think those might have been... oh my goodness.'
Frantic Hunt for the Blue Door Shelter
In a subsequent video, Littleton filmed herself searching for a blue door that would lead her to the nearest safe room for shelter. At one point, explosions can be heard as she struggled to locate the shelter. 'I'm currently walking to the safe room, definitely heard three or four b-o-m-b noises. Trying to stay calm,' she said, her voice tense.
The video continues with more sirens blaring and Littleton growing increasingly panicked. 'There go the sirens again. I'm trying to find this safe room but I can't find it,' she says. 'I don't think this is the right way, I don't see a blue gate at all. The sirens are just getting louder and louder.'
Loud Explosion as Shelter is Found
Eventually, Littleton found the shelter, but as she filmed herself walking down the steps, a loud explosion erupted. 'Oh s***,' she cries out. 'Oh s***. Where is it? Did you hear that? Oh f*** me.' In a following video, she explained that she was going back to her home to pack her belongings and join a teammate at a house with a larger bomb shelter.
'I'm a lot more comfortable there,' she said. 'That b-o-m-b shelter I was in could just fit five people, that was it. Everything is quiet right now. We are safe and sound and just trying to get as much information as possible. I am just trying to stay calm.'
Background on the Attack and Littleton's Career
Iran fired missiles at Israel in retaliation for an attack on Saturday that targeted Tehran, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei's death on Truth Social, stating that attacks on Iran would continue to enforce regime change. 'The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective,' he said.
Littleton later wrote on X that she was safe and that the explosions seemed to be slowing. 'Update: it’s currently 10pm and we have been siren free and boom sound free for the last couple of hours. I’m praying it continues this way,' she posted. She added, 'It’s 12:48 am and I’m going to attempt to get some sleep . Prayers for safety for everyone impacted.'
Littleton is playing overseas after not being selected by a WNBA team in the 2023 Draft. Speaking in January about her life abroad, she said, 'To not be drafted, it was really hurtful, I didn't expect it. I felt I had done enough to make it. When that didn't happen, I had to change course. This is how I am going to continue to grow as a player and as a person.'
