Manchester (BN24) — Police have identified the man behind the deadly attack at a synagogue in Manchester, which left two people dead and three others injured on Thursday. Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British national of Syrian descent, drove his car into pedestrians outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue before attacking bystanders with a knife. He was shot and killed by police officers at the scene.
The assault, which occurred during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, has been declared a “terrorist incident” by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who confirmed that three individuals were arrested in connection with the attack. The arrests were made on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses, including the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the Jewish community. He announced that “additional police assets” would be deployed at synagogues across the country. At the same time, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan assured that “high visibility” policing would increase around synagogues in the capital.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described the incident as the “tragic result” of an escalating wave of antisemitic hatred across the UK, citing hostility faced by Jews on streets, campuses, and online. “This is the day we hoped we would never see, but deep down, we knew would come,” he said.
Al-Shamie’s attack began at around 09:31 AM when police received reports of a vehicle driving towards members of the public. Eyewitnesses described the chaos as security staff at the synagogue prevented the attacker from entering the building. Video footage from the scene shows armed officers surrounding a man on the ground, shouting warnings about a potential bomb before shooting him just seven minutes after the initial call to the police.
The three victims who were injured include one man who was stabbed, another struck by the car, and a third who sustained injuries when police stopped the attacker. GMP confirmed that a suspicious device worn by Al-Shamie during the attack was assessed and deemed not to be a viable explosive.
The investigation revealed that Al-Shamie entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006. Despite being previously known to authorities, there were no referrals made to the government’s Prevent anti-radicalization scheme in relation to him.
Robin Simcox, the UK’s commissioner for countering extremism, spoke to BBC’s Newsnight, noting that the suspect’s attire, including a dummy suicide vest, could indicate the attack had Islamist motivations. Simcox warned that the situation reflected broader concerns among the Jewish community, with many openly questioning their safety and future in the UK due to increasing antisemitic attacks.
A witness at the scene, a member of the synagogue’s congregation, praised Rabbi Daniel Walker for his calm leadership during the crisis. As prayers were underway, the rabbi acted swiftly to barricade the synagogue’s doors, preventing the assailant from entering. “Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm. He shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him from getting inside. He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero; this could have been even worse,” she said.
GMP’s Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson commended the bravery of the synagogue’s security team and worshippers, whose quick actions helped prevent greater tragedy. The response of officers was also praised for containing the attacker, as well as for their swift action in neutralizing the threat.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed his sorrow for the victims, condemning the attack as a “horrific antisemitic incident” that would not be tolerated. “Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked,” he said in a statement.
The attack has raised serious questions about rising antisemitism in the UK, with both Jewish leaders and security experts calling for stronger measures to protect Jewish institutions and communities. The investigation is ongoing, with further updates expected in the coming days as authorities piece together the motivations behind the violent act.
