An update from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) revealed that the Manchester synagogue terrorist, Jihad Al-Shamie, was observed behaving suspiciously at the location just 15 minutes before the deadly attack. The incident occurred at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, resulting in the tragic deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Additionally, four people were injured, with three individuals still hospitalized in critical condition.
According to new information provided by the police, Al-Shamie, aged 35, was initially approached by synagogue security after displaying suspicious behavior outside the gates. He left the area upon being challenged but later returned in a black Kia, driving the vehicle into bystanders and crashing through a wall before initiating the knife assault.
During the attack, Al-Shamie made a 999 call in which he professed allegiance to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of CTP North West stated that witnesses reported Al-Shamie’s suspicious actions before the incident, highlighting that he was prevented from entering the synagogue due to the prompt response of security personnel, worshippers, and law enforcement.
Authorities mentioned that Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. Following the incident, four suspects, two men aged 30 and 32, and two women aged 46 and 61, were granted extended detention by the courts. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were released without further action. The identities of the arrested individuals and any connections to Al-Shamie have not been disclosed by the police.
