Manchester Synagogue Attack: ISIS-Inspired Killer Named
- Admin
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
The United Kingdom is shocked by a horrific act of violence that disturbed one of Manchester’s most peaceful communities. The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, made a haunting 999 call moments after the attack, declaring, “I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State.” The 35-year-old, who had been out on police bail for an alleged rape case, carried out a deadly terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue on Thursday morning, killing two worshippers and injuring several others.
The shocking call, made just minutes after the rampage, prompted counterterrorism officials to immediately classify the attack as an act of terrorism, triggering a large-scale response from the Greater Manchester Police and MI5.
The Attack: Chaos at a Place of Worship
According to police reports, Al-Shamie hit his car into a group of worshippers gathered outside the synagogue before launching a knife attack on those who survived the initial impact. Witnesses say the scene turned chaotic as worshippers yelled for help and tried to escape to safety.
Armed police arrived within minutes, engaging the attacker as he tried to force his way into the synagogue. Al-Shamie was fatally shot at the entrance after refusing to surrender. Tragically, one of the victims, Adrian Daulby, a 53-year-old security guard, was struck by police gunfire while heroically shielding others behind the synagogue’s front doors.
Another victim, Yoni Finlay, was also shot by the same bullet that killed Mr. Daulby and remains hospitalized along with two others.
The second death, Melvin Cravitz, 66, was described as a lifelong member of the synagogue and a “pillar of the local Jewish community.” Both men died trying to protect others from further harm.
A Lone Wolf with Extremist Motives
Despite Al-Shamie’s declaration of loyalty to ISIS during his emergency call, investigators say there is no evidence of any operational link to extremist networks. Instead, counterterrorism officers and MI5 believe the suspect was acting as a “lone wolf”, a self-radicalized individual inspired by extremist propaganda.
“Our working theory is that Al-Shamie acted alone, motivated by radical Islamist ideology and anger over the Gaza conflict,” said a security source close to the investigation.
Eyewitnesses recalled that Al-Shamie shouted, “This is what you’re going to get for killing our children,” referencing Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza as he tried to storm the synagogue.
Police and Government Response
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson called the attack “a vile and premeditated act of hate.” He assured the public that “no stone is being left unturned” as investigators piece together Al-Shamie’s movements and motives.
“Every available resource is being used to ensure we understand precisely what happened and to bring anyone connected with this atrocity to justice,” Watson stated during a press briefing.
So far, six people believed to be associates of Al-Shamie have been arrested under the UK’s Terrorism Act. Two were later released without charges, while four remain in custody for questioning.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attack as “an assault on Britain’s core values of tolerance and freedom of worship,” promising increased security for religious institutions across the country.
A Troubled Life and Path to Radicalization
Born in Syria, Jihad al-Shamie moved to the UK as a child and became a British citizen in 2006. Neighbors and acquaintances describe a man who once seemed polite and quiet but grew increasingly radical in recent years.
“He used to smile and wave,” said one neighbour, speaking to The Guardian. “But during the lockdowns, something changed. He started wearing religious robes, shouting about the end times, and trying to preach to children in the neighbourhood.”
Reports indicate that concerns were previously raised with local authorities regarding his behavior, but it remains unclear whether any formal investigation was conducted.
Police sources revealed that Al-Shamie had a complex personal life, including two wives, a 32-year-old woman with whom he had three young children, and a second, older British wife who converted to Islam and married him privately last year.
According to acquaintances, his radical views became more extreme after his first marriage ended, and the stress of ongoing legal issues related to the rape allegation increased.
Community in Mourning
The Jewish community in Manchester remains resilient despite being deeply affected by the events. Vigils have taken place outside Heaton Park Synagogue, where hundreds gathered to mourn the victims and pray for peace.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis issued a statement calling the attack “an unspeakable act of evil,” but urged communities not to respond with hate.
“Our faith teaches us to reject vengeance and to pursue peace. We will not let terror divide us,” Rabbi Mirvis said.
Residents have also gathered in solidarity, laying flowers and lighting candles near the synagogue gates. Interfaith groups, including leaders from Muslim and Christian organizations, joined the mourning, calling for unity and more decisive action against online radicalization.
The Broader Context: Rising Threats and Radicalization
Experts warn that Al-Shamie’s attack reflects a rising trend of self-radicalized individuals inspired by extremist online propaganda. Intelligence agencies have noted an increase in threats linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly following recent escalations in the Middle East.
“The lone actor threat is evolving,” explained terrorism analyst Dr. Hannah Price. “We’re seeing individuals who radicalize rapidly through online channels, often without direct organizational contact. That makes prevention even more challenging.”
Authorities are now examining how Al-Shamie, who was already out on police bail for another serious crime, managed to plan and carry out such a violent act. Questions are being raised about monitoring failures and whether more could have been done to stop the tragedy.
A Nation Reflects
As the investigation unfolds, the Manchester attack remains a stark reminder of the ongoing threat from homegrown extremism and the strength of communities affected by it.
For the families of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, the pain is beyond measure. But amid the grief, there is also strength, a shared determination to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.
“Terror tried to break us,” said one mourner outside the synagogue. “But it only made us stronger.”
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