Manchester Synagogue Attacker Pledged Allegiance to ISIS During 999 Call,Police Say
MANCHESTER,England – The man who attacked a synagogue in north Manchester on October 2nd pledged allegiance to ISIS during a call to authorities while the attack was underway,according to Counter Terrorism Policing North West.Chief Constable Rob Potts, of Greater Manchester Police, revealed the facts in a statement Wednesday.
the attacker, identified as Jihad Al Shamie, 35, deliberately drove a black Kia vehicle into pedestrians outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue during Yom Kippur services. After colliding with a wall, Al Shamie exited the vehicle armed with a knife and continued his assault.
Minutes after the initial 9:31 a.m. local time notification of the attack, Al Shamie called police, claiming obligation and declaring his support for ISIS, Potts stated. He was fatally shot by armed police shortly after making the call.
Two men, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both of Crumpsall, were killed in the attack. Police confirmed formal identification of the victims on Friday. Investigators believe one of the victims was likely struck by a police bullet intended for Al Shamie. Authorities stated the two men were attempting to prevent the assailant from entering the synagogue.
Three other individuals remained hospitalized with serious injuries as of Wednesday,including one victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Police have arrested and questioned six people in connection with the incident, but released two without charges on Sunday. the remaining four are scheduled to be released wednesday, also without being charged.
Potts confirmed that Al Shamie was not previously known to Britain’s PREVENT counter-terrorism program or the Counter Terrorism policing unit. However, he added, “at this stage of our inquiry, it appears that he was influenced by extreme islamist ideology,” citing the 999 call as key evidence.
Al Shamie was also found to be carrying a second knife and a “hoax device.” Witnesses reported seeing him “acting suspiciously” outside the synagogue prior to the attack, leaving when confronted by security before returning 15 minutes later in the Kia.
“Even though we have made significant progress as the attack took place, we are still in the relatively early stages and there is much work to be done,” Potts said.
The incident is being investigated as a terrorist attack.
