And police reveal at least 1 of the victims likely hit by police shooters
The suspect accused of ramming his vehicle into a synagogue in Manchester, England, this week, then stabbing several people before being shot down by police, has been identified as Jihad al-Shamie.
A report in the Guardian said the “synagogue terrorist” was on police bail for an alleged rape at the time.
Al-Shamie, 35, was born in Syria and reportedly had criminal convictions, although he was not being sought presently by counter-terrorism officers or MI5, the report said.
He “was shot dead by armed police after killing a Jewish man and seriously injuring several others when he attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in north Manchester on Thursday,” the report said.
Manchester police also confirmed officers apparently shot – accidentally – one of the two victims killed in the attack when they opened fire on the attacker.
And investigators were reviewing whether Shamie was responsible for a death threat sent to a lawmaker in 2012, the report said.
The victims were identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
The report said Cravitz’ relatives described him as a “gentle giant, and a Muslim neighbor of Daulby described him as a “fantastic man.”
Rabbi Daniel Walker, leading worship at the time of the attack, confirmed the attacker shouted, “I’m going to get you” as he tried to force his way into the building.
