Counter Terrorism Policing on Friday named the suspected attacker in the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation incident and said six people are now in custody as the investigation continues.
Two worshippers were killed and three others remain hospitalized with serious injuries following the assault outside the synagogue on Thursday, Oct. 2. The attacker died at the scene, according to Counter Terrorism Policing (Greater Manchester Police).
Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said witness accounts indicated a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was challenged by security and left. About 15 minutes later he returned in a vehicle and began the attack. Security staff, worshippers and responding officers stopped him from entering the building, Taylor said, adding that “we are in the relatively early stages” of inquiries. The two victims were identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Police believe the suspect was 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie. A device attached to his torso was assessed and determined to be fake. Initial checks show he was not known to Counter Terrorism Policing but did have a non–terror-related criminal history, including a recent arrest on suspicion of rape for which he was bailed.
Investigators said Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology, while stressing that establishing the full circumstances will take time.
Three additional people — one man and two women, aged between 18 and the mid-40s — were arrested, bringing the total number held on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six. Officers will seek warrants of further detention for all six, Counter Terrorism Policing said.
Greater Manchester Police said Saturday they have surged high-visibility patrols, with an emphasis on reassurance within Jewish communities in north Manchester, Bury and Salford. A visible presence is also planned across Manchester city centre this weekend as scheduled events go ahead, including the Conservative Party conference, three professional football matches and more than 20 other gatherings.
GMP reported that in the past 24 hours it answered more than 1,500 emergency 999 calls in about two seconds on average, reached more than 300 emergencies within 15 minutes and made over 200 arrests for offenses including domestic violence and burglary.
Police urged anyone with information about the synagogue attack to contact them via the Major Incident Public Portal and asked the public not to speculate or share unverified material while the investigation is underway.
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