UK Home Secretary Condemns Violent Clashes Amid Synagogue Attack

London, Oct 3 (PTI) - UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has strongly condemned the violent clashes between demonstrators protesting the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and police officers. She described the events as "fundamentally un-British" following a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, a sacred day in the Jewish calendar. The terrorist attack in northern England on Thursday resulted in two deaths. One of the victims was reportedly hit by police gunfire when the assailant, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian origin, was shot dead by armed officers. Following the attack, a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near Downing Street in London resulted in 40 arrests. The Metropolitan Police urged protesters to "delay or cancel their plans" for further marches over the weekend. "I was very disappointed to see those protests going ahead last night," Mahmood stated during a visit to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, the site of the terror attack. "I think that behavior is fundamentally un-British. It is dishonorable. I would have preferred if those individuals took a step back. The issues driving these protests have been ongoing and will not resolve soon. They could have allowed the affected community a day or two to process the tragedy," she expressed. She urged those contemplating protests to consider the impact on victims' families, particularly on such a sacred day. "Imagine if it was your family member murdered on the holiest day of your faith," she added. The minister also mentioned forthcoming discussions with the Metropolitan Police to assess necessary measures amidst already stretched police resources. "You can return to protest later. Having the freedom to protest doesn't mean you must exercise it," she noted. In the wake of Thursday's attack, Greater Manchester Police provided further details, identifying the two victims as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Three other men remain hospitalized with severe injuries, one from a stray police bullet, another with a stab wound, and the third injured by the attacker's car. The assailant donned what appeared to be a fake suicide vest, drove into the synagogue's entrance, and attempted to stab worshippers to gain entry through the locked doors. Police responded promptly, neutralizing Jihad Al-Shamie within seven minutes of the first emergency call. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose wife, Victoria, is of Jewish faith, truncated a visit to Denmark to attend emergency meetings at Downing Street. In a message to Jewish communities nationwide, he condemned the "vile individual" behind the attack conducted on their most sacred day, emphasizing that antisemitism must be eradicated. "To every Jewish person in this country, I want to convey this: I understand the fear you carry within. Truly. So, on behalf of our country, I express both solidarity and sorrow that you still endure these fears," Starmer stated. "Nobody should have to live like that — nobody. Hence, I guarantee that I will do all within my power to ensure your deserved security, beginning with an increased police presence to protect your community," he reassured.