Man charged over Manchester synagogue attack

Counter-terrorism police have charged a man in connection with an attack on a synagogue in Manchester that took place in October. Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, has been charged with failing to disclose information about terrorist activity.

Hakim has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday. Authorities state that the charge is directly linked to the incident on the morning of October 2, when two men were killed during an assault on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, died at the scene after being shot by police.

“

This is a significant development in our investigation, and my thoughts are with all those affected by the attack, particularly the bereaved loved ones and survivors.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West described the charge as a "significant development" in the ongoing investigation. He expressed his thoughts were with those affected by the attack, particularly the families of the victims and survivors, assuring them of continued support. Potts emphasized the police's unwavering commitment to uncovering the full circumstances of the incident and identifying anyone involved.

This development follows a separate case in July where Mohammad Bashir, 31, was sentenced to life imprisonment for planning an attack on a military base with the same synagogue attacker. Bashir had driven Al-Shamie on a 10-hour round trip to conduct reconnaissance at the UK's Defence Academy in August 2025, weeks before Al-Shamie carried out the synagogue attack.

“

We have been unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the incident and identifying anybody who may have been involved in any way.