Wife of synagogue terrorist says he showed no signs of extremism

One of the wives of Jihad al-Shamie, who killed two people during a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue last week, has said he was “intimidating, aggressive and controlling” – but never appeared radicalised.

The 35-year-old, originally from Syria but raised in the UK, pledged allegiance to Islamic State in a 999 call made during the attack at Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur. Police confirmed he was not known to counter-terrorism officers, though he was on bail for an alleged rape at the time.

His wife, who married him in 2021, said he was obsessed with Arabic news and religion but had never spoken about terrorism. “Was he this terrorist all along or was he crying out for help? Who knows?” she told The Guardian.

Shamie is believed to have secretly married three women across the North of England, fathering two children. He lived with one wife and their young children in Prestwich, where police had visited the home earlier this year over safeguarding concerns.

Another woman has since come forward to say he raped her several times during their marriage and that he lived a “double life”, using fake names such as “Jay” and “Dormammu Seven” on dating apps.

Police are still investigating his motives, including whether Israel’s actions in Gaza played a role.