On Friday, October 3rd, according to the UK police, in the terrorist attack that took place on Thursday, October 2nd in Manchester, two victims were mistakenly shot by the police, resulting in one death and one injury. The police were attempting to prevent the attacker from entering a crowded Jewish synagogue.
The Greater Manchester Police stated on Friday, “One of the deceased individuals appeared to have injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.” The police also added that it is believed that the suspect did not possess a firearm, and the only shots fired were by the police.
The attacker drove a car into the gate of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in the northern English city of Hilton Park and began stabbing people, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. When the attacker tried to forcefully open the door to enter the synagogue, the police shot at him. He was also wearing a fake suicide vest.
The police statement mentioned, “It is believed that the two victims were positioned close to the gate of the Jewish synagogue, and at that time, the worshippers bravely prevented the attacker from entering.”
This attack occurred on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. It is the most notable anti-Jewish incident in the UK since the outbreak of the Gaza War. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the police are increasing security personnel at Jewish synagogues nationwide.
On Thursday, the police confirmed that the suspect is a British citizen of Syrian descent named Jihad Al-Shamie.
This attack has once again raised concerns about the growing anti-Semitism and hostility towards Jews in the UK. The Gaza War has caused tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and sparked increasing anger towards Israel in most parts of the world.
The UK government requested a postponement of the pro-Palestinian protest scheduled for Saturday to show respect for the victims of the terror attack. The organizers rejected this request and stated that the protest would proceed as planned.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood criticized the protesters for a violent gathering near 10 Downing Street, the residence of the UK Prime Minister, on Thursday. Mahmood stated that the protesters were “un-British” for holding a protest a few hours after the attack, which was neither dignified nor showed concern for the Jewish community.
Two additional suspects related to the attack have been arrested by the authorities, but further details have not been provided.
Officials mention that the 35-year-old suspect was born in Syria and came to the UK during his childhood, obtaining British citizenship in his teens. They also stated that his surname means “Syrian” in Arabic.
Counter-terrorism police stated that the suspect had not been previously investigated by authorities and had not provided any information to the UK’s terrorism prevention program, Prevent.