An inquest has determined that Salman Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomber, died by suicide while carrying out a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 22 innocent victims and caused numerous injuries. The conclusion prompted requests from some victims’ families to acknowledge Abedi’s mode of death not just as suicide but as an unlawful killing of his victims.
Families of five victims urged Sir John Saunders, chairman of the public inquiry into the terror attack, to record a conclusion that reflects the fact that Abedi’s death resulted in both his demise and the unlawful killing of those he targeted. Lawyers representing the families argued that recording his death solely as “suicide” would fail to capture the true circumstances and impact of his mode of death.
The youngest victim, eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos, was among those tragically killed when Abedi detonated a shrapnel-packed, homemade bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.
Abedi’s actions resulted in a devastating explosion, releasing thousands of nuts and bolts that shredded everything in their path. His remains, stored in four body bags, were taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital for a post-mortem examination after a private ambulance escorted by the police.
Identification occurred through DNA matching held by the Home Office following Abedi’s 2012 arrest for shoplifting. Sir John, acting as a coroner, was legally obligated to conduct an inquest due to Abedi’s sudden and violent death.
Detailing the circumstances of Abedi’s death, Sir John stated, “The deceased died at 10.31pm on May 22, 2017, in the City Room of the Manchester Arena. In detonating the device, the deceased murdered 22 innocent victims and injured many others.”
Abedi’s brother, Hashem Abedi, is currently serving life in prison for his role in the plot, with a minimum of 55 years before parole. The Manchester Arena Public Inquiry concluded earlier this year, highlighting significant missed opportunities by security services that might have prevented the bombing. Subsequent reports also criticised emergency service responses on the night of the tragic event.
