British counter-terrorism police have made a seventh arrest in connection with the devastating attack on a Manchester synagogue that occurred last month, resulting in two fatalities.
Latest Arrest at Manchester Airport
On Thursday, November 27, a 31-year-old man was taken into custody by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West. The arrest took place at Manchester Airport shortly after the suspect arrived on an inbound flight. He was detained on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
This latest development brings the total number of individuals arrested in the investigation into the October 2 attack to seven. Previously, police had confirmed that three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – were taken into custody. Six individuals believed to be associates of the main attacker were later arrested as part of efforts to determine if anyone had prior knowledge of the planned assault.
Details of the Yom Kippur Attack
The attack unfolded on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester. The assailant, Syrian-born Jihad al-Shamie, drove his car into worshippers at the synagogue gate before launching a knife attack.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, lost their lives in the violent rampage. Cravitz died from multiple stab wounds, while Daulby was tragically struck by a single stray or possibly deflected bullet fired by armed police. Daulby was attempting to hold the synagogue doors shut to prevent the attacker from entering when he was hit.
Three other individuals sustained injuries during the assault. Security guard Bernard Agyemang was run over, worshipper Andrew Franks was stabbed, and Yoni Finlay was accidentally struck by a police bullet inside the synagogue. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading prayers, played a crucial role in helping prevent al-Shamie from gaining full entry to the building.
Armed police shot the attacker dead just seven minutes after the rampage began. Officers opened fire when al-Shamie aggressively advanced towards them while holding a knife and wearing what appeared to be a suicide vest.
Investigation and Aftermath
Following the attack, al-Shamie made a 999 call in which he stated, I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State. He later told an operator he was responsible for the assault on the synagogue. Despite his claims, police and MI5 have not identified any genuine links between al-Shamie and ISIS or any other proscribed terrorist group. Security officials believe he acted as a lone wolf who was inspired by extremist ideology but operated independently.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts confirmed that the loved ones of Mr. Daulby and Mr. Cravitz have been updated on this new arrest, as have those who were seriously injured in the attack. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to appeal for anyone with relevant information to come forward.
In a related development, a 30-year-old man arrested on October 9 on suspicion of failing to disclose information under the Terrorism Act 2000 remains on bail. Police had previously revealed that al-Shamie himself had been on bail over a suspected rape at the time of the attack. The Home Office has stated he was not known to counter-terrorism authorities prior to this incident.
