Manchester Synagogue Attacker Pledged Allegiance to Islamic State, Police Confirm

Synagogue Attack and Allegiance Pledge

• 🎯 Jihad al-Shi, the attacker at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group during a 999 emergency call.
• ⚡ The attacker made the call moments after driving his car at pedestrians and initiating a knife attack, claiming responsibility and expressing loyalty to IS.
• ⚠️ Two Jewish men, Melvin Cravitz (66) and Adrian Daulby (53), were killed in the attack.

Police Response and Accidental Shootings

• 🚨 Worshippers barricaded the doors and called 999, while the attacker also contacted police.
• 🚓 Armed police responded quickly, preventing the attacker from entering the synagogue, but accidentally shot two men.
• 🩹 Adrian Dolby was fatally wounded by a police bullet, and Yoni Finlay was also struck and is recovering after surgery.
• 🔍 The UK’s Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed the injuries were caused by police firearms, and a ballistics expert is investigating.

Attacker's Background and Ideology

• 🧠 Police believe the attacker was influenced by extreme Islamist ideology, citing his 999 call as evidence.
• 🚫 However, he was never referred to the Prevent program and was not previously known to counter-terrorism policing.
• 🎭 A suspected explosive belt worn by the attacker was confirmed to be a non-viable hoax device.

Community Resilience and Ongoing Threat

• 🤝 Six individuals arrested in connection with the attack have been released, but the investigation is ongoing.
• 🕯️ The community is observing the Jewish festival of Sukkot, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience.
• 🌍 Experts note that the Islamic State group, despite losing territory, retains the ability to radicalize individuals and inspire lone-actor attacks through online propaganda.
• ⚠️ Islamist extremist ideology is considered the single greatest threat faced by UK security services.