A witness present during a synagogue attack has disclosed the perpetrator’s last words.
On Thursday, October 2, worshippers at a synagogue faced a horrifying incident when a man attempted a killing spree.
This attack took place at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, resulting in two fatalities and three hospitalizations. The victims have been identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
The attacker, who was fatally shot by police, was identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
He initiated the attack by driving a car into civilians before exiting the vehicle and stabbing people.
A rabbi present at the synagogue during the attack has shared his account with the media, revealing the suspect’s final words.
Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was conducting the prayer service then, described the incident as a ‘desecration that had changed us all forever.’
Commenting on Al Shamie’s final words, the rabbi mentioned that the suspect persistently banged on the doors, wielding a knife, and issued threats.
He repeatedly shouted ‘I’m gonna get you’ before police intervened and shot him, according to Walker.
The Greater Manchester police department released a statement clarifying that one of the fatalities might have resulted from a police officer’s gunshot.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson’s statement read: “It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorized Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.
“It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.
“We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital, has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life-threatening. It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond.”