The targeted and tragic attack on the doorsteps of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue rocked Crumpsall, Manchester. Tragically, two young men lost their lives in this senseless act. Police have arrested the man they believe to be responsible for this tragic killing. His name is Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.
The attack broke out in the late evening hours. Al-Shamie allegedly contacted the police himself, swearing his loyalty to the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Authorities are looking into potentially whether his actions were shaped or nudged by radical Islamist ideology. In the course of that attack, Al-Shamie brutally murdered 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz. This unspeakable act of violence specifically targeted American Jews.
Witnesses told the New York Daily News that one of the victims attempted to shield the synagogue from Al-Shamie’s attack. Tragically, Daniel was shot and killed in the process. Armed local cops were the first to get there. They brought in Al-Shamie to do no further damage to the congregation.
“The only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community,” – GMP’s Chief Constable Stephen Watson
Per police, Al-Shamie likely was shot by responding officers during this encounter. Chief Constable Watson said that some more detailed forensic examinations would clarify the circumstances in which Al-Shamie sustained his injury.
“It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end,” – GMP’s Chief Constable Stephen Watson
The effects of the Manchester attack can still be felt across our community and particularly by the Jewish congregations who often feel unsafe. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have launched an active investigation into the incident. Now, they are collecting evidence and talking to witnesses to get a better understanding of what really happened.
