A devastating event unfolded in Manchester, Britain, on Thursday, near a Jewish prayer location. A car was involved in a collision with several individuals. The driver exited the car and proceeded to attack people with a knife. The individual responsible for this attack has been identified as Jihad al-Shami. The attack resulted in two deaths, and four others sustained serious injuries.
The police revealed that the suspect was 35 years old and was a British citizen with Syrian roots. The suspect was shot following the attack. The police stated they are confident the attacker is Jihad al-Shami, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin, although formal identification is still underway. Authorities confirmed that the initial investigations revealed that the suspect was not known to the authorities.
The Metropolitan Police, which oversees the country’s counter-terrorism efforts, has categorized the incident as a terrorist attack. Assistant Commissioner Lawrence Taylor confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
The attack occurred at Manchester’s Orthodox Synagogue, targeting people who were at the site during Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the attack, highlighting that the victims were targeted for being Jewish. He pledged the Jewish community his full support, starting with a greater police presence in the area. Starmer promised to show the true face of Britain, one of unity and love. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed Israel’s grief, stating that his country stands in solidarity with the British Jewish community. Greater Manchester Police received the call at approximately 9:30 a.m. from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue just as religious services began.