Armed police made a dramatic entrance at the home of the terrorist who attacked a synagogue in Manchester.
Video footage captures the counter-terror unit using a chainsaw as they entered the semi-detached property of 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, nearly seven hours after the violent incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Al-Shamie was identified as the perpetrator who drove his vehicle into bystanders and then proceeded to attack worshippers with a knife at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall. He was fatally shot within seven minutes of the initial emergency call to the police.
The tragic event resulted in the deaths of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, with three others sustaining serious injuries and receiving treatment in the hospital. The attack occurred during a gathering at the synagogue on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. Police disclosed that one of the deceased individuals was shot by law enforcement officers.
An eyewitness observed as armed officers raided the suspect’s residence in Prestwich, Manchester after the dreadful incident.
One individual, 35, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted: “I was at my mother’s house across the street. There were several men dressed in black with guns who rushed in.”
Another witness, a 35-year-old woman, mentioned: “I was working at my desk when they arrived with dogs and guns. They were silent and didn’t communicate. There were marked cars and a van.”
Furthermore, a 32-year-old neighbor stated that she observed armed police officers and dogs arriving around 4:18 pm on the day of the incident.
According to the Greater Manchester Police, Jihad Al-Shamie was a British citizen of Syrian origin, who reportedly entered the UK as a child. He was granted British citizenship in 2006 at around 16 years old.
Reports suggest that he resided in Prestwich, approximately two miles from the scene, with his name associated with a property in the area.
The Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection to the incident, categorizing it as a “terrorist incident.”
Two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s were taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in planning and executing acts of terror related to the synagogue attack.
The family of Adrian Daulby expressed their devastation over his tragic death.
In a Facebook statement, his niece, Demi, 30, said: “As Adrian’s family, we are devastated by his loss. We request privacy during this time of mourning and as we seek answers. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.”
Others described him as a “kind-hearted individual.” Sarah Smethurst commented: “Condolences for your loss, he was a very kind man who cared for my children and others. He had a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed.”
Keir Starmer has pledged to enhance security by deploying additional police officers to synagogues throughout the UK, ensuring the safety of the Jewish community through the deployment of “extra police assets.”
