Manchester Synagogue Attacker Pledged Allegiance to ISIS in 999 Call
The man who carried out the deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue yesterday pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in a 999 call made immediately after the incident, authorities have confirmed.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was fatally shot by police outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Middleton Road following a car and knife attack that resulted in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Counter Terrorism Police North West confirmed the 999 call came after Al-Shamie’s car collided with a wall after striking worshippers around 09:30 BST on October 2nd. Investigators have determined that Adrian Daulby was tragically killed by a police bullet that penetrated the synagogue door during the confrontation, and another man, Yoni Finlay, remains hospitalized after surgery.
Police established that Al-Shamie had initially visited the synagogue approximately 15 minutes before the attack, being asked to leave due to his “suspicious” behaviour. Doorbell camera footage shows him parking a black Kia Picanto on White House Avenue at 09:22, a vehicle matching the description of the one driven through the synagogue gates. The vehicle was also missing a back right hubcap, a detail corroborated by the footage. This incident has heightened security concerns for Jewish communities across the United Kingdom and prompted a review of protective measures.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson stated the force is dedicating “every available resource” to understanding the events. “There is a limit to what I can say at this juncture in terms of the dynamics of that investigation,” Sir Stephen said. “Suffice to say that we know that there are answers that people require, and those answers will be forthcoming as soon as it is appropriate to give them.” For more information on counter-terrorism efforts, see the official Counter Terrorism Policing website. Two other individuals remain in hospital with serious injuries, including one stabbed in the neck and chest.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the attack and are committed to providing further updates as they become available.
