The recent terror incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester took a disturbing turn when the attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, made a call to emergency services claiming allegiance to the Islamic State group. Al-Shamie, aged 35, personally contacted 999 shortly after the initial report of the attack, taking responsibility for the violent act.
Al-Shamie met his end at the hands of police outside the synagogue after carrying out a series of violent acts, including ramming a car into pedestrians, wielding a knife, and attempting to breach the building. Authorities have confirmed that his actions were motivated by Islamist ideology, leading them to classify the incident as a terrorist attack.
Tragically, two members of the congregation, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, lost their lives during the assault on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Daulby, who was accidentally shot by law enforcement while trying to prevent Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue, was among the casualties. Three other individuals sustained severe injuries and are currently hospitalized.
In the aftermath of the attack, four suspects, comprising two men aged 30 and 32, and two women aged 46 and 61, were granted an extension of five days in police custody. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were released without further action. The identities of the detainees have not been disclosed, nor has their connection to Al-Shamie been revealed.
Prior to the attack, a woman who had a religious union with Al-Shamie detailed his abusive and controlling behavior towards her. She described a tumultuous relationship marred by lies and manipulation, revealing that Al-Shamie had concealed his existing marriage and child in Manchester from her. The woman, choosing to remain anonymous, shared a message from Al-Shamie where he admitted to his marital status while expressing a desire for her to become his second wife.
Faraj Al-Shamie, the father of the attacker, issued a statement expressing profound shock over the events, disassociating the family from the violent actions of his son. The family extended condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing their solidarity during this challenging time.