New pics of Manchester synagogue attacker revealed as woman opens up on grim relationship | UK | News
New images of Manchester synagogue attacker Jihad al-Shamie have been released. A woman who participated in an Islamic marriage with El-Shamie has opened up to the media for the first time about how she met the attacker who was shot dead by police outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday.
The woman, who asked not to be named, also shared details about their relationship – and how, after her own marriage to Al-Shamie, she discovered he had a wife and a child in Manchester. In a bombshell interview published by our sister news outlet, Manchester evening newsShe alleged that Al-Shamie displayed abusive and controlling behavior towards her.
The man abused her both mentally and sexually, lying to her “constantly” to keep her secret safe. He said: “He was fine, then vile. Fine. Vile. That was his way or no way. He said we should get married before we could have a relationship.”
In addition to sharing never-before-seen images of the synagogue shooter, the woman also shared texts and audio messages.
In a message sent after admitting that the synagogue shooter was already married, Al-Shamie said: “Look, I’ll be honest with you. I have a wife and baby son at home. I didn’t tell you because I really loved you and wanted you to be my 2nd wife but I didn’t know how you would react.”
Al-Shamie, a British national of Syrian origin, launched a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue last week, resulting in the deaths of two people.
The 35-year-old, from Prestwich, Manchester, is understood to have entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006 at the age of 16.
Following the attack, his father Faraj Al-Shamie expressed “deep shock” in a statement. Speaking on behalf of his family, he said: “We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sadness at what happened. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims and their families and we pray for their strength and comfort.”
“We ask that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy at this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth. We pray that God will have mercy on the innocent victims and for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
The two members of the Jewish community who died as a result of the terror attack were Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both from Crumpsall.
Funeral services were held this week and hundreds of people paid tribute to the innocent victims.
