• Jihad Al-Shamie, the suspect in the Manchester synagogue attack, was on bail for an alleged rape incident.
• Two men were killed and three others injured during the attack on Yom Kippur.
• Police believe Al-Shamie was influenced by extreme Islamist ideology.
• Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, raising concerns over rising antisemitism.
• The attack has sparked nationwide outrage and discussions on terrorism and public safety.

Jihad Al-Shamie, the 35-year-old suspect in the Manchester synagogue attack, was identified by police and linked to a prior arrest for rape, being on bail at the time of the incident. His name did not appear in initial police and security service records, suggesting a lack of prior attention from counter-terrorism agencies. Al-Shamie was shot dead by police shortly after launching a deadly car-ramming and stabbing attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on October 2, coinciding with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, according to The Independent and India Times.

The attack resulted in the deaths of two men, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, with three others seriously injured. Reports indicated that Daulby was shot by police during their response, reflecting a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the law enforcement's efforts. Daulby and Cravitz were hailed as heroes for their bravery in trying to protect others from the attacker. Their sacrifice has drawn attention to the vulnerability of communities during heightened periods of unrest, according to BBC and The Independent.

Authorities believe that Al-Shamie was potentially influenced by “extreme Islamist ideology” as they examine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Six additional arrests have been made, including three individuals aged between 18 and mid-40s, on suspicion of acts related to terrorism. The police are actively seeking warrants for further detention of these individuals. This troubling incident has raised alarm regarding antisemitism and the need for better preventative measures against such attacks, as highlighted by various community leaders, according to India Times and BBC.

Witnesses reported that prior to the attack, Al-Shamie was exhibiting suspicious behavior around the synagogue, which went unreported to law enforcement. Fifteen minutes later, he returned in a vehicle, initiating the assault on bystanders before attempting to enter the synagogue. As the attack unfolded, Rabbi Daniel Walker and congregation members acted heroically to barricade the doors against him, demonstrating immense courage amid chaos. This communal effort was described as vital in preventing further casualties, as detailed by India Times, The Independent, and BBC.

In the aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other officials condemned the violence. Authorities are conducting an investigation into not only the attack but also the use of lethal force by police during their response. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is involved in reviewing the actions taken by police, particularly regarding the fatal shooting of Daulby and another individual, emphasizing the complexity of circumstances during such high-stakes situations. Public reactions have ranged from outrage to calls for reflection on both the impact of terrorism and the broader implications for community safety and cohesion, according to The Independent and BBC.