Manchester synagogue attack suspect identified

·

British police have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue as 35-year-old Jihad al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.

Two people were killed and four others seriously injured after al-Shamie drove a car into worshippers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at around 9.30am, before exiting the vehicle and stabbing members of the crowd during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Armed officers shot al-Shamie dead within minutes. Greater Manchester Police confirmed he had no previous “prevent referrals” on record and said three other people, two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s, were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.

Officers also noted the attacker was wearing something resembling an explosive device, though it was later deemed non-viable.

Photo: AFP.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said both victims were members of Manchester’s Jewish community, adding: “We are working to understand the motivation behind the attack as the investigation continues.”

The attack has drawn international condemnation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “barbaric” and said Israel “grieves with the Jewish community in the UK.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Britain of failing to act against “blatant and rampant antisemitism,” saying authorities had “effectively allowed it to persist.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cut short a trip to Denmark to chair an emergency meeting, later acknowledging that antisemitic “hatred” was rising across the country.

“I will do my best to guarantee British Jews the security you deserve,” he said.

Police have since increased security at synagogues nationwide.

Source: ABC.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Back to Greece: Four journeys, one shared return

As the Back to Greece series closes, what remains is more than a collection of travel diaries - it’s a mosaic of memory and identity.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney to hold memorial marking 113 years since Lesvos’ liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney will honour the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos with a series of commemorative events.

Film Review: ‘Athens Midnight Radio’ is Haralambidis’ nocturnal love letter to Athens

The 30th Greek Film Festival opened last week and featured a screening of Renos Haralambidis’ Athens Midnight Radio (2024).

Elena Pappas honoured with the 2025 Stephen Myall Award

At the Law Institute of Victoria’s annual awards ceremony in October 2025, Elena Pappas was recognised with the Stephen Myall Award.

‘Fertility and Filoxenia’: Empowering conversations on fertility and IVF options

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia and Greek Community of Melbourne invite everyone to attend a free educational event on fertility.

You May Also Like

Greek Community of Melbourne issue statement on wildfires in Greece

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) have issued a statement about the wildfires that are still raging across Greece this week.

Greece ready to ‘openly discuss’ maritime zones delimitation with Turkey, Mitsotakis says

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed his readiness to discuss maritime zones delimitation with Ankara, speaking on Thursday.

Arthur Diles takes charge of Melbourne Victory FC after shock departure

Melbourne Victory FC has announced that Senior Assistant Coach Arthur Diles will take over as Head Coach of the A-League Men’s side.