Jihad al-Shamie, the assailant behind the Manchester synagogue attack, made a disturbing emergency call immediately following the incident, stating, “I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State.” The 35-year-old perpetrator took responsibility for the brutal assault at Heaton Park Synagogue last Thursday morning, which resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries among worshippers.
Prior to the attack, Al-Shamie, who was out on police bail related to an alleged rape charge, rammed his vehicle into a crowd gathered outside the synagogue before proceeding with a stabbing spree. His explicit admission to the 999 operator prompted counter-terrorism units to swiftly categorize the event as a terrorist act.
Although Al-Shamie professed allegiance to ISIS, investigations by police and MI5 have yet to uncover any direct connections to organized extremist groups. Authorities suspect he operated independently, motivated by radical Islamist beliefs.
The attacker was ultimately neutralized by armed officers as he attempted to breach the synagogue’s entrance. Among those who lost their lives were Melvin Cravitz, aged 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, both Jewish congregants who confronted the assailant. Tragically, Mr. Daulby, serving as a security guard, was fatally shot by police while protecting others behind the synagogue door.
Another individual, Yoni Finlay, was wounded by the same police bullet that killed Mr. Daulby and is currently hospitalized alongside two other injured persons. Eyewitnesses reported that Al-Shamie shouted, “This is what you’re going to get for killing our children,” alluding to the ongoing Gaza conflict as he tried to force entry.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson emphasized that the investigation is exhaustive, stating, “We are deploying every resource available to fully comprehend the circumstances surrounding this attack.”
Authorities have detained six individuals suspected of having links to Al-Shamie under anti-terrorism legislation. While two have been released without charges, four remain in custody for further interrogation.
Originally from Syria, Al-Shamie relocated to the UK during childhood and obtained British citizenship in 2006. Neighbors recounted how his behavior grew increasingly extreme during the COVID-19 lockdowns, adopting traditional religious attire and reportedly delivering sermons to local youth.
His personal life was complex; he had a 32-year-old wife with whom he fathered three children under the age of three, alongside a second, older British spouse who converted to Islam and secretly wed him approximately a year ago.
The community expressed profound shock following the attack. One local resident informed The Guardian that she had previously alerted authorities about Al-Shamie’s troubling conduct, though official confirmation of this report remains pending.
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