British police have named the man behind Thursday’s deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. He was shot dead by armed officers after ramming his car into pedestrians and stabbing a man near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Two men were killed and at least four others were injured in the attack, three of whom remain in hospital with serious wounds. One victim had been stabbed, another was struck by the vehicle, and a third later sought treatment for injuries believed to have occurred when officers confronted the assailant.
Police said three other people — two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s — have been arrested on suspicion of preparing, commissioning or instigating acts of terrorism. Searches were carried out in nearby areas of Crumpsall and Prestwich, with several scenes cordoned off.
A suspicious device found on the attacker was quickly assessed and deemed non-viable. Investigators also confirmed that Al-Shamie had not previously been flagged to Prevent, the UK’s counter-extremism programme.
Greater Manchester Police praised the “quick thinking” of a member of the public who first called in the emergency, as well as the “bravery” of synagogue security staff and worshippers who helped stop the assailant from entering the building. Officers arrived within minutes and “contained the incident swiftly,” they said.
“This was a shocking and violent attack on innocent people,” police said, vowing to strengthen patrols and reassure the city’s Jewish community as the investigation continues.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short a trip to Denmark to chair an emergency COBRA meeting. Condemning the incident, he said on X, “I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
King Charles said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the events in Manchester. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the attack “incredibly worrying,” especially as Jewish communities observed Yom Kippur. He said the Metropolitan Police would step up patrols around synagogues in the capital.
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