Salford man charged over Heaton Park synagogue attack in 'significant development'

A man has been charged in connection with the Manchester synagogue attack in which two men were killed.

Counter-terrorism police said Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, of St James Road, Higher Broughton, Salford, had been charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity. He has been remanded in custody to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

There have been eight arrests in connection with the attack, but this is the first charge that "relates directly" to the morning of October 2, when Jihad Al-Shamie attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. Worshippers Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed. Al-Shamie was shot dead by police at the scene.

What did counter-terrorism police say?

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts from Counter Terrorism Policing North West said: "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."

He added: "Since the attack took place, 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."

What has happened so far?

In July, Mohammad Bashir, 31, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for planning a separate terrorist attack on the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham with Al-Shamie. The pair drove on a 10-hour round trip for hostile reconnaissance on August 14, 2025, weeks before the synagogue attack.

GMP's chief constable Sir Stephen Watson also apologised for a "missed opportunity" after admitting that phones seized from Al-Shamie during two earlier arrests were never examined before the attack. The IOPC is reviewing GMP's handling of those arrests.