Manchester synagogue terror attacker named after killing two in ramming and stabbing assault
Jihad al-Shamie a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, killed two people in a ramming and stabbing attack; two other men and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested.
British counter terrorism police have named the Manchester synagogue terror attacker as Jihad al-Shamie a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al-Shamie killed two people in a ramming and stabbing attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Thursday morning (local time) before being shot dead by police.
Police also said three people have been arrested and are being held on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. They are two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s.
The Sun reports that al-Shamie was said to have lived in a council house in nearby Prestwich for ten years, with a neighbour saying: “He had no wife or kids that I could see. He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.”
Manchester police said alert security staff and members of the local Jewish community helped avert an even greater tragedy during the horrific terror attack.
Two members of the public died after al-Shamie rammed them with a car, then stabbed them to death in the anti-semitic attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur.
Three other people were seriously injured. One of the people who was killed is believed to be a security official who was guarding the synagogue.
Al-Shamie had tried to gain access inside the synagogue but was prevented from doing so as people threw pot plants at him and locked the door. One man trapped in the synagogue as al-Shamie tried to break in said that he had attempted to smash the windows of the building.
Inside, many children were attending a children’s service and eye witnesses say the synagogue was filled with many worshippers.
Al-Shamie, who wore a fake bomb vest, was shot by Greater Manchester Police officers within seven minutes of the first emergency call at 9.31am, when a member of the public rang police saying a car had been driven towards members of the public and that one man had been stabbed. Footage shared on social media shows al-Shamie attempting to get up from the ground before being shot by police as others warned he was carrying a bomb. Army disposal experts later ascertained the suicide vest was “not a viable bomb”.
Police immediately declared the attack and enacted ‘Plato’ – the code-word used by the emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester Police said it was “thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access”.
He said members of the public had called the police allowing a quick response “to bring this horrific attack to an end’’.
He added: “There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack.”
Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 9.31am by a member of the public, stating he had witnessed a car being driven towards members of the public, and one man had been stabbed.
“GMP declared (the emergency operation called) PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am. Shots were fired by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers at 9.38am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender.”
Jewish news correspondent Richard Ferrer wrote: “Today is the day we feared. The day British Jews have long dreaded but always knew would come. The first terrorist attack on a UK synagogue.”
The Israeli embassy in the United Kingdom said the attack was “abhorrent and deeply distressing” and called on authorities to provide “guaranteed safety and security of Jewish communities across the country.
In a statement the embassy said: “That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.
“The embassy is in close contact with Manchester Jewish community, British authorities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to monitor developments, and ensure that the necessary support is provided.
“We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.
“The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
The Muslim Council of Britain said it was “deeply concerned” as it “unequivocally” condemned the attack.
We are deeply concerned by reports of a violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester today. We unequivocally condemn this act of violence. pic.twitter.com/niGBdI4heB
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) October 2, 2025
The attack comes as the issue of illegal migration and anti semitism has become the number one priority in Britain.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer immediately left a summit of European leaders in Denmark to return to London and chair an emergency crisis meeting, known as Cobra.
The PM said he was “appalled” by the attack, adding: “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.”
The mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says authorities believe that the suspect is “deceased.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester Thursday, the mayor said it “is believed that the offender is deceased, although it’s not confirmed.”
He said that as a result a “degree of reassurance can be given that it’s not a developing, an ongoing, incident.”
King Charles said in a message: “My wife and I have been deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
The attack happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
Police immediately declared it a major incident and ambulance service and police have enacted ‘Plato’ – the code-word used by the emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.
The Israeli embassy in the United Kingdom said the attack was “abhorrent and deeply distressing” and called on authorities to provide “guaranteed safety and security of Jewish communities across the country.
In a statement the embassy said: “That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.
“The embassy is in close contact with Manchester Jewish community, British authorities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to monitor developments, and ensure that the necessary support is provided.
“We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.
“The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
Every synagogue across Greater Manchester has boosted security and several Greater Manchester hospitals – Salford Royal Hospital, Fairfield General and the Royal Oldham Hospital – have gone into lockdown, following initial reports that the suspect was carrying a bomb.
The shadow home secretary Chris Philp said he was “appalled” by the attack.
“This is a sickening attack on people at a synagogue on Middleton Road in Manchester – on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the whole Jewish community here in the UK.
I know everyone will want to support the emergency services in their work.
I am appalled not only by this brutal attack, but also by the evil that lies behind it.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the attack was “vile and disgusting”.
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout