Suspect Named: Jihad Al-Shamie
The man behind the deadly attack outside Manchester’s Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue has been named as Jihad Al-Shamie. The 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent was shot by police just seven minutes after he drove towards the synagogue and stabbed several people.
Police have confirmed at least two people died and four others were injured in what they’ve officially labelled a terrorist act.
Alongside Al-Shamie, two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism commission, preparation, and instigation.
Fear and Chaos on Yom Kippur
The shocking assault happened on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in Judaism — right in the heart of Manchester’s Orthodox Jewish community. Witnesses saw a car barreling towards the synagogue, with the attacker wielding a knife.
- Armed officers arrived within minutes and fired shots by 9.38am.
- Police warned crowds to keep back, citing the attacker “has a bomb.”
- A bomb disposal unit conducted a controlled explosion on the suspect’s car.
- Hospitals in Manchester went into lockdown following the incident.
Police and Community Responses
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the attacker wore a suspicious device, later deemed non-viable. No Prevent programme referrals were found in Al-Shamie’s records.
Two men lost their lives in the attack; three others remain in hospital with serious injuries, including stab wounds and injuries from the vehicle. One man even arrived at hospital with injuries possibly sustained while police stopped the attacker.
Detectives are still piecing together the motive but have indicated the attack targeted Jews because of their faith.
Voices Speak Out Against Rising Antisemitism
“Going to synagogue should not be an act of defiance,” said Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust. “Yet 80 years after the Holocaust, antisemitism has spread across the country. Jewish people have never been more anxious. Today’s attack is an example of that hatred turning violent.”
Political leaders, including Keir Starmer, have condemned the attack, underscoring that it “happened because they were Jews.”
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
Police raids linked to the investigation took place in Prestwich, where officers swarmed a residential street with chainsaws and shields. Neighbours spotted the suspect recently and reported seeing the vehicle used in the attack parked nearby.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is reviewing the police shooting of Al-Shamie as part of standard procedure.
Authorities are also monitoring pro-Palestine protests around the UK, signalling increased security efforts across the country.
Originally published on UKNIP