LONDON (AP) — British police arrested a man on Thursday at Manchester Airport, on suspicion of involvement in a deadly attack outside a synagogue that occurred last month. The suspect, a 31-year-old individual, was taken into custody after arriving on an inbound flight, facing allegations of committing, preparing, and instigating acts of terrorism.
The attack in question took place on October 2, 2023, outside the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. The assailant, Jihad Al-Shamie, a Syria-born British national, was shot dead by police after he rammed a car into a group of pedestrians, subsequently attacking them with a knife, and making attempts to enter the synagogue forcefully.
Before the attack, Al-Shamie had reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. The heinous act coincided with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, leading to significant tragedy for the community. During the incident, two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, aged 66, and Adrian Daulby, aged 53, lost their lives. Melvin Cravitz was fatally stabbed by the assailant, while Adrian Daulby was accidentally shot by a police officer as he and other congregants attempted to barricade the synagogue, trying to prevent Al-Shamie from entering the premises.
In the wake of the attack, several arrests were made across the Greater Manchester area. In total, six individuals were detained in connection with the incident. However, five of them were released without facing any charges. A 30-year-old man has been bailed, suspected of failing to disclose information about the crime, as investigations continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding this act of violence.
The Greater Manchester Police are keen to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families, as this tragic event has profoundly impacted the local community. The police have underscored the importance of vigilance and cooperation from the public in the ongoing investigation, highlighting the complexities involved in handling cases linked to terrorism and the necessity of addressing any related threats recurrently.
The community's response has been one of resilience, as both mourners and leaders have called for unity during this difficult time. Vigils have sprung up in memory of the victims, spotlighting the need for peace and mutual respect among diverse communities. As more information emerges about the motives and backgrounds of those involved, authorities remain committed to ensuring that such acts do not recur in the future.
This incident raises serious questions about security measures surrounding places of worship and the broader implications of radicalization that extend beyond this singular event. Community leaders are advocating for greater resources and training for law enforcement to better equip them against the threat of terrorism.
