Counter Terrorism Police have identified the man behind Thursday morning’s deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) believe Al-Shamie was the individual shot dead by armed officers during the incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, though formal identification is still pending. Authorities confirmed that Al-Shamie had never been referred to the Prevent programme and was not previously flagged as a radicalisation risk.
How the Attack Unfolded
The violence erupted at 9:31 a.m., when a vehicle was driven into worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur, followed by a stabbing outside the synagogue. GMP quickly declared a major incident and enacted Operation Plato, the national protocol for marauding terrorist attacks.
Armed officers arrived within three minutes and confronted the suspect. He was fatally shot by police just seven minutes after the initial emergency call.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed the scale of the tragedy:
“We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack. Armed officers acted swiftly and decisively to stop the offender, who was fatally shot.”
Casualties and Arrests
In total, three people are dead — two victims and the attacker. Four others remain in critical condition.
Police also announced the arrest of two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s, suspected of involvement in preparing or instigating terrorist acts. A suspicious device worn by the attacker was rendered safe by bomb disposal experts and confirmed to be non-viable.
National Response
Outside New Scotland Yard, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, called the attack “an appalling act targeting the Jewish community on its holiest day.” He confirmed further arrests and described the incident as a terrorist attack.
Ongoing Security Measures
Heightened patrols have been deployed across Manchester and at synagogues nationwide as investigations continue. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The incident has left the Jewish community in shock, with leaders describing the attack as a devastating blow on a sacred day of worship.