Armed police officers in Manchester made the split-second decision that would ultimately save countless lives when they confronted and fatally shot a knife-wielding man outside a city centre synagogue, an inquest has revealed.
The dramatic incident unfolded on the evening of November 11, 2023, when 28-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie was shot by specialist firearms officers after brandishing a large knife and making direct threats toward the Manchester Jewish community.
A Race Against Time in the City Centre
According to evidence presented at Manchester Coroner's Court, police received multiple emergency calls reporting a man acting aggressively while carrying a knife near the synagogue on Bury New Road. The location's significance as a Jewish place of worship immediately raised the threat level in officers' minds.
"The intelligence suggested a direct threat to the Jewish community," stated Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies of Greater Manchester Police. "Our officers were faced with a rapidly evolving situation where every second counted."
The Final Confrontation
Body-worn footage from the responding officers showed Al-Shamie advancing toward them while gripping a large kitchen knife. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the 28-year-old continued his approach, forcing the armed team to make the ultimate decision.
Senior Coroner Nigel Meadows confirmed that two shots were fired by a specially trained firearms officer, both striking Al-Shamie in the chest. Despite immediate medical attention from paramedics at the scene, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The Jewish community in Manchester has expressed both relief and trauma following the incident. Local synagogue leaders have praised the police response while acknowledging the ongoing fear within their community.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a standard investigation into the shooting, though preliminary findings suggest officers acted appropriately given the imminent threat. The inquest continues as authorities work to establish Al-Shamie's motivations and whether he acted alone.
This incident highlights the continuing challenges faced by UK counter-terrorism units and the difficult decisions armed officers must make in protecting the public from immediate harm.
