The head of the police department expressed sincere regret today for missed chances before the Manchester synagogue terror incident. Jihad Al-Shamie, aged 35, fatally harmed two worshippers and wounded four others in an attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue before being shot by law enforcement.
It was revealed that authorities had previously confiscated Al-Shamie’s electronic devices, which contained evidence of his extremist beliefs and fixation on terrorism. However, this evidence was not reviewed until after the attack occurred.
Following the incident, Al-Shamie’s associate, Mohammad Bashir, 31, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The police chief stated that legal restrictions had hindered the disclosure of additional information earlier.
The Chief Constable confirmed that the police had prior knowledge of Al-Shamie in connection with non-terrorism-related criminal allegations. Despite seizing his devices during previous arrests, the significant evidence of his extremist ideologies remained unexamined until after the attack on October 2, 2025.
The police regretted the missed opportunity and expressed deep apologies for the distress caused by the tragic events. They vowed to continue efforts against hatred, extremism, and terrorism. Inquests into the victims’ deaths will explore all aspects of the attack, with the Independent Office for Police Conduct conducting a review on the police’s handling of the case.
The security guard injured in the attack, Bernard Ayemang, shared how his life has changed, facing physical and emotional challenges since the incident. He expressed ongoing struggles with nightmares, flashbacks, and fear for his family’s safety.