Full Breakdown
Man Charged Over Manchester Synagogue Attack
8/21/2026, 4:13:04 AM
New Charge in the Heaton Park Investigation
Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, of St James Road, Higher Broughton, Salford, has been charged with failing to disclose information about terrorist activity linked to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation attack. He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday. The charge marks the first legal action directly tied to the morning of October 2, when worshippers Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed after the synagogue was assaulted by Jihad Al-Shamie, who was later shot dead by police.
Background and Prior Investigations
The investigation has already resulted in eight arrests, though none had previously been directly connected to the October 2 incident. In July, Mohammad Bashir, 31, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years for planning an attack on a military base together with Al-Shamie. Bashir had driven Al-Shamie on a 10-hour round-trip to conduct hostile reconnaissance at the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, on August 14, 2025. Weeks after that reconnaissance, Al-Shamie carried out the synagogue attack and was subsequently killed by police.
Official Response
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter-Terrorism Policing North West described the charge as “a significant development” and expressed sympathy for victims, survivors, and bereaved families. He emphasized the police’s ongoing commitment to establishing a full picture of the incident and identifying anyone else involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Chief Constable Rob Potts, assistant chief
The charge against Hakim underscores the continued focus of UK counter-terrorism authorities on uncovering all aspects of the Heaton Park attack and ensuring accountability for those who aid or conceal terrorist activity.
