Counter Terrorism Police revealed that the Manchester synagogue attacker was spotted behaving suspiciously at the location just 15 minutes before initiating his deadly assault, as per police reports.
The update provided by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) detailed the investigation into the tragic incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, which resulted in the loss of two lives, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, in the Crumpsall area. The attack also left four individuals injured, with three still hospitalized due to severe injuries.
According to new information, the 35-year-old attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, was approached by the synagogue’s security team after being seen acting suspiciously outside the gates around 15 minutes before the assault. Al-Shamie initially left the scene upon being challenged but later returned in a black Kia, driving the vehicle towards bystanders, crashing through a wall, and commencing the knife attack.
During the attack, Al-Shamie made a 999 call in which he professed allegiance to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of CTP North West stated that witness accounts confirmed Al-Shamie’s suspicious behavior prior to the incident, his subsequent return with the vehicle, and the armed assault that followed.
Additionally, it was disclosed that Al-Shamie possessed a second knife and was carrying a non-viable hoax device. Despite his actions, the quick response of security personnel, worshippers, and law enforcement prevented him from entering the synagogue.
Greater Manchester Police had indicated earlier that Al-Shami might have been influenced by extreme Islamist beliefs. Following extensive interviews, Counter Terrorism officers detained six individuals, with two individuals released without charges on Sunday and the remaining four set for release on Wednesday.
