Two men remain hospitalized with serious injuries following a terror attack targeting a synagogue in Manchester, england. The incident occurred Friday, and prompted a swift response from police and security services.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated: “This is a moment of mourning. It is indeed not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain.”
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Farid Houdali, was shot by Greater Manchester Police firearms officers after approaching the synagogue and attempting to enter. He died at the scene. Police initially believed Houdali was wearing a suicide vest,but a “suspicious device” attached to his torso was later confirmed as fake.
Head of counter-terrorism policing Laurence Taylor said Houdali “may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology” and had a recent arrest for rape, for which he was on bail. He added that Houdali was not previously known to counter-terrorism policing.
the police watchdog is investigating the use of lethal force by Greater Manchester Police, examining whether officers may have contributed to Houdali’s death.
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon sa’ar spoke with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging the UK Government to “fight the pro-Palestinian marches and protests.”
A protest organized by the group Defend our Juries is still scheduled to take place in central London, with the group stating: ”Cancelling peaceful protests lets terror win.”
A minute’s silence will be held at Old Trafford on Saturday during Manchester United’s match against Sunderland in tribute to the victims, with players expected to wear black armbands.
