In a shocking revelation, a teenager has come forward to share her harrowing experience with Jihad Al-Shamie, the man behind Thursday’s Manchester synagogue attack. After meeting via the Muzmatch dating app, the young woman, who prefers to remain anonymous to protect her family, found herself entangled in a controlling relationship marked by deceit and manipulation.
Initially told he was in his 20s, she later discovered Al-Shamie was actually in his mid-30s, with a past he tried hard to hide. He misled her about his age, marital history, and even claimed he was childless when he actually had three young children. As their relationship progressed, Al-Shamie’s true nature was revealed. He pressured her to adopt more conservative religious practices, even going as far as pushing for marriage within a month.
Her account describes a toxic relationship where he shared extreme views, made threats for her to be “dedicated to the cause,” and watched videos of her interest. On numerous occasions, she fled alarming situations, thanks to vigilant neighbours who stepped in to help.
It wasn’t until his involvement in last Thursday’s attack that his dark past came to light, including being on bail for a separate rape charge. The incident left two men, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, dead and several others injured before Al-Shamie was shot by police.
The attack has left the Al-Shamie family in shock, as they publicly denounce his actions. They express heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and distance themselves from his heinous acts.