British-Syrian man, 35, is named as Islamist terrorist who killed two innocent men at Manchester synagogue: Trio remain in custody

**Islamic Terrorist Kills Two in Manchester Synagogue Attack on Yom Kippur**

An Islamic terrorist attack unfolded this morning at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, resulting in the deaths of two people and serious injuries to three others. The attacker, identified by police as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by armed officers minutes after the assault.

### The Attack

The horrifying incident began at 9:31 am when Al-Shamie drove a car into a crowd outside the synagogue before stabbing multiple worshippers. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Police confirmed that the two victims who died were both men; three other men remain hospitalized with serious injuries, including stab wounds and injuries from being struck by the vehicle.

Armed officers responded swiftly, shooting Al-Shamie dead within seven minutes of the first emergency call. It is understood that Al-Shamie entered the United Kingdom as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006.

### Investigation and Arrests

Greater Manchester Police revealed that Al-Shamie’s name had not appeared in any initial records with the police or security services, and there were no previous Prevent referrals related to him. However, further checks are ongoing to determine if he is connected to any other investigations.

In addition to Al-Shamie, three people—two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s—have been arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack. Police are working to formally identify the deceased and are providing support to their families, the injured, and the wider community.

### Response and Reactions

In a statement on Thursday evening, Greater Manchester Police said, “We are working to understand the motivation behind the attack as the investigation continues.”

Sir Keir Starmer issued a warning following the attack, stating that Britain faces a rising tide of antisemitism. The Prime Minister also praised the response of emergency services and security personnel, crediting them with preventing an even greater tragedy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as a “barbaric attack,” expressing solidarity with the British Jewish community. “Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded,” he said. Netanyahu also emphasized the need for strength and unity in confronting terrorism.

### Acts of Courage

Rabbi Daniel Walker was hailed a hero for his calm and courageous actions during the attack. Witnesses said he barricaded the synagogue doors, preventing the attacker from entering and potentially causing even greater harm.

Chava Lewin, a witness at the scene, told the Daily Mail, “Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm; he shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him getting inside. He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero—this could have been even worse.”

Shortly after police neutralized the attacker, Rabbi Walker was seen outside the synagogue wearing his traditional white kittel, his robes seemingly stained with blood.

Worshipper Rob Kanter, 45, who was inside the locked synagogue during the attack, described how Rabbi Walker provided pastoral support to the congregants despite the trauma. “We knew there was a commotion because we had already made sure all of the doors and windows were shut,” Kanter said.

He added, “The mood amongst our fellow congregants was very calm. Everyone deals with these things in their own way, but generally, everyone was very calm and dignified.”

The worshippers were evacuated to a nearby relief center across Middleton Road. Kanter continued, “The rabbi was providing as much pastoral support in the circumstances as he could. We continued to do part of the service because, at the end of the day, it’s awkward and difficult with a multitude of emotions, but we carried on.”

Reflecting on the significance of the day despite the tragedy, Kanter said, “Our Rabbi’s role was to try and say, ‘Yes, this is a terrible tragedy, but at the end of the day, we want to try where possible to remember today is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.’ We did as much as we could as a group.”

—

*This tragic event has shocked Manchester and the wider Jewish community, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance, unity, and resilience in the face of terror.*
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15157369/British-Syrian-man-named-Islamist-terrorist.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490