Al-Shamie, whose surname translates as “the Syrian”, became a naturalised citizen in 2006 while still a teenager. Officials confirmed he had no prior record with counterterrorism police, was unknown to the security services, and had never been referred to Prevent, the government’s anti-extremism programme.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood commented on the attacker’s unusual first name, saying she had never before encountered someone named Jihad, though she noted it means “struggle” in Arabic and had been given to him at birth. His father, Faraj al-Shamie, is a trauma surgeon who has worked for NGOs in conflict zones including South Sudan.
Neighbours described al-Shamie as a reclusive figure who lived in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, often seen in pyjamas, flip-flops, and religious headwear. Some said he frequently used weightlifting equipment in his garage or front garden.
“He was quite bulked up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I’d see him there,” one neighbour recalled, while others noted his habit of parking his black Kia poorly outside nearby homes.
Residents said the family had lived in the Langley Crescent house for about 20 years, though his father left several years ago and only visited occasionally. Neighbours described the family as “nice” but noted that al-Shamie himself “kept to himself and did not speak with anyone”.
On the afternoon of the attack, armed police stormed the Prestwich property. Witnesses described vans and marked cars flooding the street, with officers in black uniforms shouting commands and using a chainsaw to gain entry. The operation lasted around an hour, though witnesses said they did not see anyone removed from the property.
The investigation into the synagogue attack is ongoing.
