The family of Manchester synagogue terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie have released a statement condemning his “heinous act”.
The terrorist’s family took to Facebook to distance themselves from Thursday’s attack on the Heaton Park Community Synagogue.
Faraj Al-Shamie said: “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.”
Greater Manchester Police said Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died after Jihad Al-Shamie drove into a group of people outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue before stabbing a man in Manchester yesterday. It is believed one of the victims was accidentally shot by police. Three others remain in hospital with serious injuries. The attacker was also shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the attack, which took place on Judaism’s holiest day Yom Kippur. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack in connection with the killings.
Al-Shamie, 35, lived in a council house just two miles from where he carried out the atrocity. One of his neighbours said “he never spoke to anyone”.
Another neighbour told The Telegraph: “He lived there for 10 years, with no wife or kids that I could see. 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 slipon sandals, carrying a shopping bag.”
The Sun reported Al-Shamie appeared to have worked as a tutor for English and computer programming. He is reported to have arrived in the UK from Syria as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, around the age of 16. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told Sky News on Friday that Al-Shamie had not been referred to the Prevent anti-terror programme.
BBC shared thoughts of some British Jews today:
“I’m scared to send my child to her Jewish school.”
“I can’t believe it, but I can believe it.”
“The government and police must do more to protect our communities… what happened is a national disgrace.”
“To come out of a day of reflection, forgiveness and community into this reality is devastating and frightening. The sense of vulnerability is very real.”
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