Manchester Synagogue Attack Kills Two; Police Confirm One Victim Died from Officer's Accidental Shot

Manchester Synagogue Attack: Two Dead in Suspected Terrorist Incident on Yom Kippur

A deadly attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, UK, has left two people dead and several others injured. The incident, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is being treated as a terrorist incident. The attacker, identified as Jihad al-Shamie, was shot dead by police. Authorities have increased security at Jewish hubs across the UK.

Details of the Attack and Police Response

The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a call at 9:31 a.m. reporting a car being driven into members of the public and multiple stabbings. Chief Constable Stephen Watson stated that officers fatally shot the attacker within seven minutes of the initial call. Al-Shamie was reportedly wearing a vest that appeared to contain an explosive device, which was later determined to be non-viable.

Tragically, one of the victims died after being accidentally shot by an armed officer during the police response. Another member of the public sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries. Watson expressed his condolences, calling the death "a tragic and unforeseen consequence" of the necessary action taken by officers. Three other individuals were hospitalized as a result of the attack.

Victims and Attacker Identified

The two victims who died in the attack have been identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was a British citizen of Syrian descent. Police are investigating his motives and whether he had any prior connections to extremist groups. Three suspects, two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s, have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Community Reaction and Increased Security

The attack has sent shockwaves through the UK’s Jewish community and drawn strong condemnation from leaders. Keir Starmer visited the scene of the attack and condemned the "vile" act, warning that "hatred is rising once again in Britain." Security patrols have been increased in London and at synagogues across Greater Manchester.

The Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim advised synagogues to keep their doors locked at all times. A vigil for the victims was held at the junction between Middleton Road and Crumpsall Lane in Crumpsall. Many community members expressed shock and fear, with some stating the attack reinforced concerns about rising antisemitism. The Metropolitan Police urged organizers to delay or cancel a planned pro-Palestine protest in London.

Statements and Condemnations

Faraj al-Shamie, the father of the attacker, expressed "deep shock and sorrow" over his son's actions, condemning the attack and offering condolences to the victims and their families. Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, called it a "horrific day" for the Jewish community and warned against the "heatwave of antisemitism". The new Archbishop of Canterbury also expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and condemned antisemitism.