Part 13/17:
Investigators confirmed that Al-Sami contacted emergency services prior to the attack, declaring his loyalty to ISIS and taking responsibility. Notably, his communication was made while he was out on bail—initially arrested on suspicion of rape—without any prior record of extremism or engagement with Britain’s Prevent program, which aims to identify radicalized individuals early.
Though his vest was initially perceived to suggest a bomb, it was later identified as a hoax. The attack, occurring during a sacred Jewish holiday, deeply rattled the community, prompting six arrests related to the incident. Authorities are now delving into whether Al-Sami acted alone or was directed by a larger network, amid ongoing efforts to thwart lone actor extremism.
Implications