Rabbi Daniel Walker said "These were not simply members of our synagogue — they were our friends, our family — and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled."
Al-Shamie was brought to the UK as a child and was given citizenship in 2006. In the terror attack, he drove his car at Jews outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue then got out of the vehicle and stabbed people. Three other people were arrested in connection with the attack.
"The second he got out of the car he started stabbing anyone near him," said a witness. "He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue. He was in the courtyard. Someone barricaded the door. Everyone is in utter shock."
Officers shot and killed him at the scene of the crime. The attack began about 9:30 am and officers were deployed minutes later. Shots were fired by officers at 9:38 am and the suspect was neutralized.
Police later revealed that of the two who were killed, one suffered from a gunshot and officers were the only ones with firearms on the scene. A victim currently recovering in the hospital also suffered a gunshot wound, meaning officers killed the terrorist, a civilian, and injured one other.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that "additional police assets" would be deployed across the country to protect synagogues. Al-Shamie had not been on the radar of British law enforcement and there had been no referrals of him to Prevent, the government group that deals with "anti-radicalization."
Starmer also thanked first responders, visiting them and saying "I wanted to come and see you to be able to say on my own behalf as prime minister, but on behalf of the whole country, thank you for your response yesterday."
In response to the attack, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Starmer's 10 Downing Street residence to scream about Israel. Starmer has already recognized the Palestinian state, issuing a formal declaration in September.
