Two individuals barricaded inside a synagogue during a knife attack might have been shot through the door when police intervened, suspecting a terrorist situation.
In light of the ongoing attacks, Manchester police stated that armed officers could have unintentionally harmed innocent people while aiming at the alleged attacker.
On Thursday, authorities identified a man described as a “Syrian British citizen” who had driven a car towards worshippers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Society in North Manchester. Al-Shamie, aged 35, exited the vehicle and brandished a knife.
Officials commended the synagogue worshippers for their quick action in securing the main entrance, preventing Al Shamie from entering. He was reportedly about to stab a knife through a window when police arrived shortly thereafter.
The officer attempted to persuade Al Shami to surrender, but he refused, resulting in him being shot. As he tried to get up, wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest, he was shot fatally once more.
However, police shots aimed at neutralizing the supposed threat apparently missed or penetrated too deeply, causing injuries to others on the exterior side of the synagogue’s wall.
Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester Police noted that he had received a report from a pathologist indicating that one deceased victim sustained a gunshot wound alongside other consistent injuries.
Al Shami claimed he did not possess any firearms, asserting that the only bullets fired at the scene came from responding officers. He commented that future forensic examinations might reveal that the injuries sustained were regrettably a consequence of the necessary actions taken by police to halt the attack.
Watson also mentioned that one of the three individuals who didn’t sustain fatal injuries was hit by gunfire. He emphasized that while their injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening, suggesting they were likely behind the door when worshippers bravely tried to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
On Friday morning, Manchester police released the identities of the deceased victims from Thursday’s incident: Adrian Dowlby, 53, and Melvin Kravitz, 66. Three others are reported to be in serious condition after receiving hospital treatment.
More information has emerged regarding the attacker, Jihad Al Shami, whose last name translates to “Syria.” Born in Syria, he moved to the UK as a child and was granted British citizenship in 2006. Reports indicate uncertainty regarding whether Jihad was his birth name or one he adopted later.
Neighbors described Al Shami as someone who had lived with his mother for the past 15 years, remaining quite private and unsociable. “I recognized him from the attack photos,” one neighbor noted, recalling his poorly parked Kia.
Counterterrorism units took over the investigation and arrested three people on charges related to potential terrorist activities, although it remains unclear if Al Shami acted alone or as part of a larger group. Authorities noted he was previously unknown to police or any anti-terrorism reporting systems.
In a statement, officials acknowledged their effort to understand the motivations behind the attack but indicated they were still searching for clarity.
