Islamic Man Who Attacked Synagogue Church, Killing 2 and Injuring 4, Identified and Shot Dead

The man behind the deadly attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester has been identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, hours after the tragic incident took place.

The attack occurred at 9:31 a.m. on Thursday, during the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Witnesses reported that Al-Shamie rammed his black Kia Picanto hatchback into a crowd of Jewish worshippers, before stepping out of the car and stabbing multiple people indiscriminately.

According to police, the rampage left two people dead and four others injured before Al-Shamie was shot minutes later.

Clips circulating online, reportedly shared by the attacker’s father Faraj Al-Shamie, a trauma doctor who has worked with NGOs in warzones, revealed chilling footage of the aftermath.

Authorities confirmed that two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s were also arrested in connection with the attack as investigations continue.

Al-Shamie was identified after his name was linked to a property in Manchester. A neighbor later confirmed his identity after recognizing him from photographs released of the attacker.

Speaking to The Telegraph, one neighbor said: “He lived there 10 years, with no wife or kids that I could see. He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.

“I’d see him walking around in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag.

“He was quite bulked up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I’d see them there”

It was reported that after the attack, Al Shamie attempted to force his way into the synagogue but was stopped by Rabbi Daniel Walker, who quickly barricaded worshippers inside to protect them.

Another man, Yoni Finlay, who also tried to intervene, was injured when he was struck by a stray bullet as police opened fire on Al Shamie about seven minutes after the attack began. He was rushed to the hospital, where he is said to be undergoing surgery.

An eyewitness, Khurram Rafiq, said he was driving past the church when he saw Al Shamie moving from victim to victim in what he described as a “robotic” manner, as though he “had a job to do.”

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Another Eye Witness, Mr. Rafiq, 35, a manager at a global tech firm, explained: “Initially I thought it was an accident and that the driver had lost control for whatever reason.

“But he then got out and stabbed the man who was lying on the ground. The knifeman walked through the front gates and stabbed at least two other men. I would describe him as an Asian man and he was going for anyone who was Jewish.

“The men he stabbed were all wearing the kippah. There was no shouting from what I could hear nor any religious slogans.