Rape Suspect’s Dark Past Uncovered
Synagogue attacker Jihad al-Shamie was on police bail for rape when he launched a deadly terror rampage, killing two people and injuring four others at a Manchester synagogue.
The 35-year-old, Syrian-born and granted UK citizenship in 2006, was still under investigation for the alleged sex crime earlier this year. Greater Manchester Police confirmed he had been arrested but released pending investigation.
Rampage Details: Attack on Yom Kippur
Al-Shamie, who lived as a recluse in a Prestwich council house for 10 years, struck at 9:30am on Yom Kippur—the holiest Jewish day. Wearing a fake bomb vest, he rammed a car into worshippers outside the Heaton Park synagogue before stabbing terrified bystanders.
Two men died in the attack:
- Melvin Cravitz, 66
- Adrian Daulby, 53, who was accidentally shot by police while heroically barricading the synagogue door
Four others remain injured, with three seriously hurt and treated in hospital. The attacker was shot dead by armed officers just seven minutes into the rampage.
Unknown to Terror Agencies but Haunting Past
Al-Shamie was not on any counter-terror watchlists or Prevent schemes, leaving security services blind to his intentions. However, police are investigating links to death threats sent in 2012 to ex-Tory MP John Howell by someone claiming to be “Jihad Alshamie”.
Neighbours described him as a loner with no family, and his father reportedly worked as a trauma surgeon in war zones. Al-Shamie also worked as a tutor teaching English and computing.
Tributes and Investigation Ongoing
Adrian Daulby’s family hailed him as a hero, saying:
“Adrian was a hero and tragically lost his life in an act of courage to save others. His final act was one of profound bravery. He will forever be remembered.”
Greater Manchester Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the shooting. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the gunshot wound suffered by one victim was likely a tragic consequence of police action to stop the attacker.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the attacker was unknown to security services and that investigations continue at pace.
