Manchester synagogue attack: Police gunfire killed one victim, chief constable confirms

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that one of the victims of Thursday’s synagogue attack died after being struck by police gunfire as armed officers tried to stop the attacker.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson said a Home Office pathologist’s provisional findings revealed that one of the deceased had suffered a gunshot wound, despite the attacker, Jihad Al Shamie, not being armed with a firearm.

“The only shots fired were from GMP’s authorised firearms officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community,” Watson said.

He described the death as “a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action” taken to end the assault.

Medical professionals also confirmed that one of the three victims still in hospital suffered a gunshot injury, though their condition is not life-threatening. Both the deceased and the wounded survivor are believed to have been standing close together behind the synagogue door as worshippers bravely blocked the attacker from gaining entry.

The suspect, identified as Jihad Al Shamie, attempted to storm the synagogue before being stopped by police gunfire. Officers are being praised for preventing what could have been an even greater tragedy, though the admission that a victim was accidentally killed by police fire is likely to fuel debate over armed response protocols in terror-style incidents.

The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic experts expected to conduct further examinations.