Manchester synagogue attacker pledged allegiance to ISIS during the attack
The investigation into the deadly assault outside a Manchester synagogue has revealed new details about the attacker’s statements during the incident. Counter Terrorism Policing North West confirmed that the man who carried out the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue last Thursday phoned police during the incident, claiming to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS). This admission, communicated in the initial moments of the attack, is being treated as a critical line of inquiry for authorities seeking to understand the attacker’s motivations and possible ties to extremist networks.
The suspect and the context
Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, has been identified by Greater Manchester Police as the suspected assailant. He was shot dead by firearms officers at the scene. The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, underscoring the intention to strike during a time of religious observance. The incident immediately raised concerns about security threats to Jewish communities across the region and the potential for copycat or retaliatory violence in the wake of such events.
Victims and police response
Two men were killed in the attack: Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Both were residents of Crumpsall, the Manchester suburb where the incident unfolded. Police indicated that one of the men may have been shot by armed officers as they attempted to prevent the attacker from entering the synagogue and causing further harm. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson stressed that the officers’ shots were a deliberate act to stop the offender and protect the community, suggesting the injury to the bystander could be an unfortunate consequence of urgent action necessary to end the attack.
Alleged extremist influence and prior arrests
Authorities note that Al-Shamie “may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology.” He had a prior arrest on suspicion of rape, but was released on bail for further enquiries, with the location of the alleged offence not disclosed. The combination of an extremist pledge during an attack and a prior distant history underscores the complexity of monitoring individuals who may pose a threat to public safety while navigating legal processes and due process rights. Investigators are continuing to examine any possible connections to broader extremist networks, online propaganda, or triggers that could have led to the attack.
Ongoing investigation and community impact
Officials have reiterated that the investigation is ongoing, with forensic work and interviews forming the backbone of the case. In communities across Greater Manchester, leaders and residents are calling for calm and solidarity with the Jewish community, while authorities bolster security measures at places of worship and public gatherings. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about how best to detect early signs of radicalization and how to respond effectively to threats that target freedom of worship and peaceful coexistence.
What’s next for authorities
Police will continue to review all available evidence, including digital traces, eyewitness accounts, and CCTV footage, to piece together the sequence of events and potential networks linked to the attacker. Given the pledge of allegiance to ISIS during the incident, counter-terrorism officials will assess whether the attack aligns with international terrorist propaganda or represents a lone-actor scenario. Any findings could influence the trajectory of related prosecutions, security policy, and community outreach initiatives in the months ahead.
