Manchester synagogue attacker 'shared Isis videos as he descended into Islamic extremism'

The 35-year-old terrorist even attempted to display such material at a shisha lounge, according to the friend's account.

Qas told Sky News: "Once, he even tried to show me one at the shisha lounge. I told him to go away and asked how he even got access to that content, and he said it was through Telegram."

Following this incident, the friend avoided Al-Shamie until learning about Thursday's deadly assault on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

Those who knew Al-Shamie described a dramatic shift in his demeanour over the past year.

Asim, who befriended him through their mutual interest in computers, observed significant changes in his behaviour.

"He started asking me for money, not small amounts, but thousands," Asim told Sky News. "When I refused, he became angry. I'd never seen that side of him before."

The formerly quiet and soft-spoken individual began displaying erratic behaviour patterns. Another acquaintance described how Al-Shamie would suddenly erupt during ordinary conversations.

"You could be having a normal conversation with him, and suddenly he would flip and start ranting," the friend revealed.

His increasingly extreme views became apparent to those around him. Asim noted that Al-Shamie's ideology had become "a bit too radical for me," leading him to distance himself from their friendship.

Residents in Prestwich reported that Al-Shamie's transformation began during the Covid lockdown.

Previously sociable family members began donning traditional Islamic attire and organising religious assemblies at their property.

A local resident informed The Guardian that Al-Shamie and a relative began "coming up the road preaching to kids about the Koran" describing the behaviour as "quite intimidating" and "intrusive."

The concerned neighbour contacted Greater Manchester Police in 2020 or 2021 about what she perceived as radicalisation. "I would never do that if I weren't [concerned]," she stated.

According to residents, adherents would gather for "private and secret" sessions in the family's front garden.

One neighbour observed that the family's social circle changed dramatically during this period, noting they "didn't have any white friends" anymore.

Al-Shamie's personal circumstances were marked by turmoil and financial distress. He was subject to a government debt relief order last year, which imposed restrictions whilst addressing his financial obligations.

His romantic life involved multiple Islamic wedding ceremonies, with reports suggesting he married whilst still partnered with his child's mother.

An ex-girlfriend, who was 18 during their relationship, told the Manchester Evening News he displayed controlling behaviour and showed her "extreme videos" she had no interest in viewing.

She revealed he disclosed having "rape fantasies" and frequently messaged young women on the Muslim dating app Muzmatch using false identities including Valentino and Ahmed.

"He kept getting banned because of his speech and what he was sending," she stated.

Earlier this year, Al-Shamie was working as a call handler for the RAC motoring organisation.

He was employed through an agency as a part-time temp from December to the end of March, when he was no longer needed.

Last year, Al-Shamie had money problems and was subject to a government debt relief order, which meant that his debts would be paid off in a year if he agreed to certain restrictions.