The discovery of social media messages from the suspect’s father has given the inquiry into the recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester a startling new dimension. Faraj al-Shamie, the father of the named suspect, reportedly praised the Palestinian militant group Hamas for its October 7 attack on Israel. His online comments, which hailed the militants as “God’s men on earth,” are now under scrutiny as authorities work to understand the motivations behind the incident in the UK.
Who is the Suspect in the Attack?
UK Police have officially named a suspect in the frightening event. The authorities identified the man as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent. In an official statement, police confirmed that while formal identification is still pending, they believe he was the person responsible for the attacks. Investigators also provided a critical update on the device used, stating that a “suspicious device worn by the attacker during the incident has been assessed and was deemed not to be viable,” potentially averting a greater tragedy.
What Did the Suspect’s Father Say About Hamas?
The suspect’s father, Faraj al-Shamie, expressed strong support for Hamas in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attacks. In a Facebook post, he celebrated the group’s multi-pronged invasion of Israel, calling it a divine act. He declared that Hamas terrorists “show beyond a shadow of a doubt that Israel will not remain” and praised them as “God’s men on earth.” This wording implies a close ideological relationship with the group’s anti-Israel actions.
Did His Position on Hamas Change?
Just three days after his initial post praising the attack, Faraj al-Shamie’s stance appeared to shift regarding Hamas’s tactics. He publicly criticized the group for taking specific hostages. In a subsequent post, he wrote, “Release the elderly and children. What you have done so far is a miracle by all standards. Do not harm them in a moment of anger. They have no place in war.” Despite this criticism, he still expressed overall support, adding, “May God grant you victory,” and describing the attack as “the beginning of the liberation of Al-Aqsa.”
What is the Current Status of the Investigation?
The police investigation is expanding beyond the single attacker. In their statement, Greater Manchester Police revealed that three additional people are currently in custody. These individuals were arrested on suspicion of “commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism.” Authorities also noted a significant detail: their records show no previous “Prevent” referrals—the UK’s counter-radicalization program—relating to Jihad Al-Shamie, suggesting he was not previously on their radar.
Disclaimer: This report is based on statements from UK police and on inputs from news agency reports.
