Police-Shot Victim Unarmed in Manchester Synagogue Terror Attack; Three Arrested

Manchester Synagogue Attack: Suspect Identified as Jihad Al-Shamie

Authorities have identified Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, as the suspect in a deadly attack that took place outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester on Thursday. The attack, which occurred during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, resulted in two deaths and several injuries.

The Attack and the Suspect

According to reports, Al-Shamie drove a car into a crowd of people near the synagogue and then proceeded to attack bystanders with a knife. He was subsequently shot and killed by police at the scene. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have declared the incident a "terrorist incident."

Al-Shamie was reportedly not known to anti-terrorism or police officials prior to the attack. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with the suspect appearing to target individuals near the synagogue. Some reports indicated that he was wearing a suspicious device, later determined to be non-viable.

Victims and Arrests

The two victims killed in the attack have been named as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz. A second victim remains in hospital suffering from a gunshot wound that is “mercifully not life-threatening”. In addition to Al-Shamie, three other individuals – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism in connection with the killings.

Eyewitness Accounts and Heroic Actions

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments of the attack. One witness recounted how Al-Shamie "started stabbing anyone near him" after exiting the car. Another praised Rabbi Daniel Walker for his quick thinking in securing the synagogue and preventing the attacker from entering. His actions are widely regarded as heroic, potentially averting an even greater tragedy.

Official Responses and Condemnations

The attack has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders both in the UK and abroad. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as a "vile terrorist attack" targeting Jews. He also announced increased police presence at synagogues across the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the UK's Jewish community, stating that "weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism."

Investigation and Community Impact

The Greater Manchester Police and counter-terrorism units are continuing their investigation to determine the full scope of the attack and Al-Shamie's motivations. The incident has had a profound impact on the Jewish community in Manchester, raising concerns about safety and security. Increased security measures have been implemented at synagogues and other Jewish sites across the UK.