Manchester synagogue killer aligned with Islamic State group

Jihad Al-Shamie proclaimed his loyalty to the Islamic State terror group during his car-and-knife attack outside a Manchester, England synagogue last week. He also claimed responsibility for the attack while on the phone with emergency dispatchers, Counter Terrorism Police North West said in a Wednesday statement. The 35-year-old was a British citizen of Syrian descent, police said earlier.

Al-Shamie killed one man and seriously wounded two others before police shot him dead. Police gunfire killed an additional person and injured one other person who were trying to Al-Shamie from entering a door.

Police also said that synagogue security officers confronted Al-Shamie about suspicious behavior outside the building shortly before the attack. He walked away when challenged, then returned in his car to begin the attack, they said.

Authorities released four other suspects on Wednesday after arresting and investigating them in connection with the attack, according to police. The four were not charged with any crimes on Wednesday.

Dig deeper: Read my report on a death and injuries likely caused by police responding to the attack.