Manchester Synagogue Attack: Perpetrator Free on Bail in Rape Case
Manchester,UK – The man who attacked a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday morning,Jihad al-Shamie,was free on bail due to a pending rape investigation,police announced.The 35-year-old was known to police for prior criminal offenses,but not for extremism,according to a source who spoke with The Guardian.
Al-Shamie drove to the Area House synagogue where worshippers had gathered for Jom Kipoer, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. He attacked individuals and attempted to gain entry to the building with a knife before being shot by police. The attack has resulted in two fatalities – a 53-year-old man and a 66-year-old man, one of whom may have been struck by a police bullet - and three injuries requiring hospitalization.
Authorities have arrested six individuals – five men aged 18 to 50 and a woman in her 60s – on suspicion of encouraging or preparing terrorism. The investigation is focused on whether Al-Shamie was radicalized by extremist islamic ideologies.
Police state Al-Shamie arrived in the United Kingdom as a child from Syria. His family expressed shock and sadness over the attack,stating,”We take this fully away and are shocked and deeply saddened by what happened.”
