Two Killed in Manchester Synagogue Terror Attack, One Victim Shot by Police

Manchester Synagogue Attack: Two Killed in Terrorist Incident on Yom Kippur

Two men, identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed in a terror attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester on Thursday, during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by police. Three others were seriously injured in the attack.

The Attack Unfolds

The attack began at approximately 9:31 AM local time, when Al-Shamie drove a car towards members of the public outside the synagogue. He then exited the vehicle and began stabbing bystanders. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang before seeing the attacker wielding a knife. Security staff and worshippers inside the synagogue managed to barricade the doors, preventing Al-Shamie from entering the building. Armed police arrived on the scene within minutes and shot Al-Shamie dead at 9:38 AM.

Video footage from the scene shows armed officers pointing their weapons at Al-Shamie, who was lying on the ground. Bystanders warned the officers that Al-Shamie was wearing a bomb. While a suspicious device was present on his person, it was later determined by bomb disposal units to be non-viable. Three other individuals, two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s, have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Victims Identified and Community Response

The victims, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were both from Crumpsall. Relatives of Melvin Cravitz described him as a "gentle giant" who "would never harm a fly." Adrian Daulby was remembered by neighbors as a "great neighbor" who often bought gifts for children. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling it a "horrific antisemitic attack." Increased police presence is expected in Jewish communities throughout the region.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester Police stated that one of the victims may have been accidentally shot by police as they attempted to stop the attacker. He acknowledged the tragic possibility that the officers' actions "may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action" to end the attack.

Political and Community Reactions

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cut short a meeting with European leaders to return to the UK and chair an emergency Cobra meeting. He vowed to "wrap arms" around the Jewish community and ensure their security. Other political figures, including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, also expressed their support for the Jewish community. Jewish leaders voiced concerns about rising antisemitism, with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis describing the attack as the "tragic result" of an "unrelenting wave of Jew hatred."

Details About the Attacker: Jihad Al-Shamie

Jihad Al-Shamie, the attacker, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. He is believed to have entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006. Authorities stated that Al-Shamie's name did not appear in records of the government's counter-terrorism program, Prevent. His motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Eyewitness Accounts and Heroism

Eyewitnesses described the scene as "horrendous." A delivery driver named Gareth reported seeing a man bleeding on the floor and then witnessing the police shooting Al-Shamie. Another witness, Shah, described seeing a vehicle "rushing past and driving straight for the members of the public." Rabbi Daniel Walker was praised for his calm leadership in protecting the congregation during the attack. A woman living next door to the synagogue credited Rabbi Walker with barricading the doors and preventing the attacker from entering the building.

Aftermath and Security Measures

Following the attack, heightened security measures were implemented at synagogues and Jewish community centers across the UK. Police confirmed that additional officers would provide a "high visibility" presence in Jewish communities. The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which provides security to the Jewish community, confirmed that one of their personnel was seriously injured in the attack. The investigation into the attack is ongoing.