Manchester Synagogue Attack: Attacker’s Father Issues Statement Condemning ‘Heinous Act’
The father of the man responsible for Thursday’s deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue has released a statement expressing his family’s, “deep shock and sorrow”, and condemning the violence as, “heinous”.
Faraj Al-Shamie, a trauma surgeon known for working in conflict zones, confirmed that his son, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was the attacker who killed two men and injured several others outside Heaton Park Synagogue on Middleton Road.
In a statement posted to social media on Friday, Faraj said the Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad was, “profoundly shocked”, by the events, adding:
The statement went on to call for privacy:
Victims Named
The two men killed have been named as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both members of Manchester’s Jewish community. The attack took place on the morning of Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Four others were injured, three of whom remain in hospital with serious injuries.
Police Response and Tragic Revelation
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that Al-Shamie drove his car into a group of worshippers before launching a knife attack. Armed officers responded within seven minutes and shot him dead. He had been wearing a fake explosive device designed to resemble a suicide vest.
In a tragic development, GMP revealed that one of the victims, believed to have been attempting to barricade the synagogue doors during the attack, likely died as a result of police gunfire aimed at stopping Al-Shamie.
“Subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end”, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said.
Suspect Background and Ongoing Investigation
Police named the attacker as Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent who was granted UK citizenship in 2006 at the age of 16. Photographs circulating online suggest he was a father himself. Authorities are working to determine his motivation, with the case being treated as terrorism-related.
Three additional suspects — two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s — were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of preparing and instigating acts of terrorism. They remained in custody.
Large cordons continue to restrict access across parts of north Manchester as counterterrorism officers pursue their investigation. Extra police patrols have been deployed citywide in the wake of the attack.
Affected Communities
The killings have shocked Manchester’s Jewish community and the wider city. Vigils are expected to take place throughout the weekend as residents come together in grief and solidarity.
Faraj Al-Shamie concluded his family’s statement by offering prayers for the victims:
Faraj Al-Shamie, a trauma surgeon known for working in conflict zones, confirmed that his son, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was the attacker who killed two men and injured several others outside Heaton Park Synagogue on Middleton Road.
 |
| Faraj Al-Shamie |
In a statement posted to social media on Friday, Faraj said the Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad was, “profoundly shocked”, by the events, adding:
“The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.
We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort”.
The statement went on to call for privacy:
“We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth”.
Victims Named
The two men killed have been named as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both members of Manchester’s Jewish community. The attack took place on the morning of Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Four others were injured, three of whom remain in hospital with serious injuries.
Police Response and Tragic Revelation
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that Al-Shamie drove his car into a group of worshippers before launching a knife attack. Armed officers responded within seven minutes and shot him dead. He had been wearing a fake explosive device designed to resemble a suicide vest.
In a tragic development, GMP revealed that one of the victims, believed to have been attempting to barricade the synagogue doors during the attack, likely died as a result of police gunfire aimed at stopping Al-Shamie.
“Subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end”, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said.
Suspect Background and Ongoing Investigation
Police named the attacker as Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent who was granted UK citizenship in 2006 at the age of 16. Photographs circulating online suggest he was a father himself. Authorities are working to determine his motivation, with the case being treated as terrorism-related.
 |
| Jihad Al-Shamie |
Three additional suspects — two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s — were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of preparing and instigating acts of terrorism. They remained in custody.
Large cordons continue to restrict access across parts of north Manchester as counterterrorism officers pursue their investigation. Extra police patrols have been deployed citywide in the wake of the attack.
Affected Communities
The killings have shocked Manchester’s Jewish community and the wider city. Vigils are expected to take place throughout the weekend as residents come together in grief and solidarity.
Faraj Al-Shamie concluded his family’s statement by offering prayers for the victims:
“May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured”.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment