Manchester, UK
British police have confirmed that the man responsible for last week’s deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue claimed allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) before he was shot dead by officers.
According to the Greater Manchester Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, the suspect, identified as Jihad al-Shamie, 35, made a 999 emergency call during the incident, pledging loyalty to ISIS and declaring the assault as a “jihadist act.” The call is now a key piece of evidence in the ongoing counterterrorism investigation.
The attack occurred on October 2, outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur, one of Judaism’s holiest days. Al-Shamie reportedly drove into pedestrians before attempting to storm the synagogue armed with a knife. He was fatally shot by police officers at the scene.
Two people were killed in the incident, including one civilian who was accidentally shot by responding officers, while several others sustained serious injuries.
Police sources said that while al-Shamie expressed support for ISIS, no operational link to the terrorist group has been confirmed. Investigators are examining his digital communications and background to determine the source of his radicalization.
Authorities revealed that al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was on bail for an unrelated rape allegation at the time of the attack. He had not been on the UK’s terrorism watchlist and was unknown to counter-extremism programs.
Six individuals have since been arrested across Greater Manchester on suspicion of terrorism offenses connected to the attack. Some have been released pending further investigation.
The assault has sparked renewed concern about antisemitic violence and the security of Jewish institutions across the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the act as “an attack on faith and freedom,” pledging increased protection for religious sites nationwide.
The investigation continues under the coordination of the UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing North West, which is working with intelligence agencies to determine whether al-Shamie acted alone or was part of a wider extremist network.
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