Manchester, England – A victim of the recent synagogue attack in Greater Manchester died as a result of gunfire from police officers, authorities revealed Saturday. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by armed officers at the scene and did not possess a firearm, despite one fatality suffering a gunshot wound.
Greater Manchester police Chief Steve Watson stated that the injury may have occurred as an unintended consequence of officers attempting too neutralize the attacker, who wore a vest resembling an explosive device-later determined to be non-explosive. Another congregant sustained a non-life-threatening injury near the synagogue entrance while attempting to prevent the suspect from entering. The incident has prompted the British government to pledge increased efforts to combat antisemitism amid widespread shock within the Jewish community.
Al-Shamie’s family expressed their surprise and condemned his “heinous actions” in a Facebook statement. Police have found no record indicating he had been referred to the government’s anti-radicalization program. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its potential motivations.
