A woman who once dated al-Shamie, the man accused of launching a deadly attack on a synagogue that left two people dead and three others injured, has described him as a secretive and deeply troubled individual who concealed much of his private life and intentions.
The woman said al-Shamie, a university drop-out believed never to have held a full-time job, often told her he was “always shifting between jobs.”
“He would never preach anything,” she said. “The only thing he would do was pray. He never showed me, or said anything about terrorism or joining any group. It was all about the mosque and praying.”
She described him as a devout Muslim but said she could not understand what might have driven him to commit such an act of violence. “He talked about faith, not hate,” she said quietly. “I can’t understand why he did this.”
A Pattern of Abuse and Radical Influence
Investigators have since uncovered a disturbing history of abusive and manipulative behaviour. Al-Shamie is alleged to have had an exploitative relationship with an 18-year-old sixth-form student, whom he deceived by claiming he was 24.
According to the young woman’s account, al-Shamie shared “rape fantasies” with her and forced her to watch violent Islamic State propaganda videos. “He would stalk me, control what I did, and make me watch those horrific videos,” she reportedly told police. “It was terrifying.”
Sources close to the investigation told The New Daily Prime that al-Shamie’s behaviour grew increasingly unstable in recent months. He is believed to have separated from the mother of his three children earlier this year, and neighbours described frequent arguments and erratic behaviour at his residence.
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Authorities have also arrested a white British woman, believed to be a convert to Islam and former nurse, who is said to have had a close relationship with al-Shamie. The 38-year-old, a mother of five, was taken into custody at an address in Bolton, Lancashire, on Friday. She remains detained under terrorism legislation, as police probe her possible role in the incident.
Investigators say the attack was inspired by extreme Islamist ideology, though they continue to explore whether al-Shamie acted alone or had external support. “This was a targeted act of terror, influenced by extremist beliefs,” a counterterrorism spokesperson confirmed. “Our teams are working tirelessly to trace the attacker’s communications, associations, and online activities.”
Community Shock and Police Response
The attack, which took place outside a synagogue during evening prayers, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Police have increased patrols around synagogues, mosques, and community centres across Manchester and neighbouring areas.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police urged calm, saying: “This was an appalling act of violence that has deeply affected the Jewish community and the wider public. We are determined to uncover every detail of how and why this tragedy occurred.”
Residents described al-Shamie as a man who kept to himself, occasionally attending prayers at local mosques but rarely engaging in conversation. “He was quiet, polite even,” said one neighbour. “You’d never imagine he could do something like this.”
As the investigation continues, many are struggling to reconcile the image of a man who appeared religiously devout with the horror of his actions. For those who knew him, the attack has left behind a trail of confusion, disbelief, and unanswered questions.
“He prayed five times a day,” his former girlfriend said. “But whatever was going on inside his head — we never saw it. I don’t think anyone did.”
Authorities have not released further details about the victims as families are being notified. The investigation remains active, with police treating the incident as a terrorist act motivated by extremist
