Manchester police have named the man suspected of carrying out a deadly attack outside a city synagogue as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. Two men are dead and three others remain in hospital with what police describe as “serious injuries” after a man drove a car into members of the public before stabbing several people in a violent rampage on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Officers responded to the scene within minutes, shooting the attacker dead just seven minutes after the first 999 call was made. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that three other arrests have since been made in connection with the incident, which has been declared a terrorist act.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack and said Britain “must defeat rising antisemitic hate.” Speaking outside Downing Street, he said, “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed and injured, and with the entire Jewish community who are understandably shaken by this horrific incident.”
Southampton MPs were among those reacting online, expressing solidarity with Jewish communities both in Manchester and across the country. Labour MP for Southampton Test, Satvir Kaur, wrote on Facebook: “Shocked, saddened and horrified to hear of the awful terrorist incident outside Manchester’s synagogue, targeted at the Jewish community who had gone to worship there on their holy day of Yom Kippur. My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those killed, injured and the entire Jewish community both in Manchester and across the country, including Southampton, who are understandably worried and upset after this awful incident of antisemitism. We have regrettably seen a rise in hate crime, including antisemitism, in Southampton. Everyone should be able to feel safe in our local communities, however and wherever they worship.”
Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, Darren Puffy, echoed those sentiments, saying, “I am horrified by the vile attack on a synagogue in Manchester, especially on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. I stand with Manchester’s Jewish community, and with Jewish communities across the country, including here in Southampton. You are not alone. I mourn with you and will act with you to protect peace and the right to worship without fear. We must confront antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and hate together, swiftly and relentlessly, through security, education and trust. Myself and Satvir will work with our local police to ensure our Jewish community here in Southampton is protected and feels safe at this sensitive moment. My huge thanks to our brave police and emergency services.”
The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has urged the public to remain vigilant but reassured residents that there is no ongoing threat. Security has been stepped up at places of worship across the city and beyond as the investigation continues.
