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Manchester Synagogue Attack: Allegiance Pledge Confirmed as Counter-Terror Investigation Continues Live Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that the assailant who carried out the deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall last week pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group during the incident. The attacker, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, killed two worshippers and seriously injured three others in a car-ramming and stabbing rampage that took place on Thursday, 2 October, during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that Al-Shamie made a 999 call during the course of the seven-minute attack, expressing commitment to the terror organisation. This revelation marks a significant step in determining the full ideological motivation behind the incident as the region's counter-terrorism investigation enters its second week. Focus Shifts to Motivation and Network Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) stated that the pledge of allegiance was a key piece of evidence recovered from the ongoing investigation into the immediate moments of the attack. While Al-Shamie was shot and killed by armed officers at the scene—an intervention hailed by officials as preventing further loss of life—detectives are continuing to work around the clock to establish whether he acted alone or was influenced by a wider network. Two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, died as a result of the violence. Mr.
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Daulby's death is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after police acknowledged that the fatal injury may have been sustained as a tragic consequence of the armed response, with a bullet possibly striking him as he and others heroically barricaded the synagogue entrance. “This latest information confirms the horrific reality that this was a targeted, antisemitic act driven by extreme ideology,” stated Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of CTPNW. “We are now focused on two primary objectives: supporting the bereaved families and piecing together the timeline of how Al-Shamie became radicalised and whether any individuals assisted in the commission or preparation of this dreadful act. ” Extended Detention for Suspects In connection with the terror probe, detectives have detained six people in the Greater Manchester area on suspicion of the “commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism. ” A court granted police five more days on Saturday to hold four of the suspects—two men and two women—for further questioning. Two others were released without charge over the weekend. The investigation has also focused on the attacker's personal background. It was previously confirmed that Al-Shamie was out on bail at the time of the attack following an alleged unrelated sexual offence, a detail which has raised questions about monitoring and communication between different policing units.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham spoke publicly on the need for vigilance, but stressed that the city would not be defined by the actions of an individual. “Manchester has been here before, and our strength lies in our unity,” Mr. Burnham said. “We must stand with our Jewish community and ensure that the enhanced security presence across the city remains in place for as long as necessary. There is zero tolerance for hatred of any kind on our streets. ” Community Resilience and Security Outlook The incident has profoundly impacted the region's Jewish community, occurring on the most solemn day of the religious calendar. Following the tragedy, vigils and interfaith gatherings have taken place across Manchester, reaffirming the city's commitment to social cohesion. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said the attack was the "tragic result" of what he described as an "unrelenting wave of Jew hatred.
" He praised the security staff and worshippers inside the synagogue for their "immediate bravery," which prevented the attacker from breaching the main doors and inflicting greater casualties. Looking ahead, security levels remain elevated for major religious sites and public gatherings in the region. The Home Secretary confirmed that additional resources would be deployed to the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism. While the investigation into Al-Shamie’s potential network is expected to continue for weeks, the clear message from officials and community leaders is one of determined resilience against extremist violence. GMP is appealing for anyone with information related to the attacker’s activities in the days leading up to the incident to come forward as they seek to deliver a comprehensive accounting of this tragic day.
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