Jihad Al-Shamie: Everything we know about Manchester terrorist's life as fresh details emerge
The 35-year-old, who was a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a black Kia Picanto into a crowd gathered outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall
Jihad Al-Shamie was the terrorist who brutally murdered two Jewish men in a horrific car and knife attack in Manchester.
The 35-year-old, who was a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a black Kia Picanto into a crowd gathered outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday morning.
After crashing his vehicle, he got out and began stabbing people at the scene. Al-Shamie was shot dead by police just seven minutes after they were alerted to the attack, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, tragically lost their lives in the attack, while three others are currently in hospital with serious injuries. Police today revealed one of those who died was shot by their officers.
READ MORE: Manchester synagogue attack UPDATES: Armed officers 'not treated as suspects'READ MORE: Family of Manchester synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie issues new statementThey have confirmed three people had been arrested as part of the investigation and declared it a "terrorist incident".
According to police and security service records, Al-Shamie did not appear in initial searches and was not believed to be under investigation. He reportedly worked as a tutor teaching English and computer programming.
The terrorist is understood to have arrived in the UK as a child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, when he was approximately 16-years-old.
Al-Shamie resided in Prestwich, roughly two miles from the synagogue, in a terraced council property.
Neighbours of Al-Shamie said he had lived there in Langley Crescent since around 2021, while one recalled a baby also living at the address.
One woman said: "We used to see him out in the garden working out, doing weights, press ups. He used to change his clothes. One day he would be wearing the full gown, to the floor and the next jeans and pyjama bottoms."
Another person who lived near the house raided in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, told the Daily Telegraph she recognised its occupant from photographs of the synagogue attacker. She said: "He lived there 10 years, with no wife or kids that I could see. He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.
"I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours. I'd see him walking around in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag. He was quite bulked up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I'd see them there."
A YouTube account linked to a medical company associated with his father, Faraj Al-Shamie, hosts a series of home videos documenting the boys' upbringing in north Manchester.
It is thought that Al-Shamie's father is a trauma surgeon who has worked for several NGOs in warzones around the globe.
On social media, Faraj Al-Shamie has posted numerous political content concerning Middle Eastern conflicts. On Friday, his father issued a new statement.
The statement on Faraj Al-Shamie's Facebook reads: "Al-Shamie Family Statment (sic)
"The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us. The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.
"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.
"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.
"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “surprised” by the attacker’s name. Speaking on LBC, Ms Mahmood was asked about the attacker’s name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari translated as “struggle of the Syrian”.
She said: “I was very surprised to discover that name myself. Actually, as a Muslim, I’ve never heard someone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with – that has always been his name.”
One of Jihad's brothers is the sole director of a limited company, believed to be in the health sector, while it's understood the youngest is a software engineer.