Overview of the incident
A violent attack outside a Manchester synagogue on 2 October ended with the death of the assailant and two worshippers injured, in what authorities have described as a terror incident. The attacker carried out a car and knife assault near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall, Manchester, before being shot dead by armed officers. The attack left two Jewish men dead and several others requiring hospital treatment.
Details emerging about the attacker
Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old man, has been identified by police as the person responsible for the assault. Authorities say he walked to the synagogue on foot around 15 minutes before the incident began, and he was reportedly asked to leave earlier due to suspicious behaviour. Video footage from a doorbell camera captured his movements in the vicinity, including his car being used in the attack and a missing hubcap that matched the vehicle description.
Al-Shamie’s 999 call
Investigators confirmed that during the incident, Al-Shamie made a 999 emergency call in which he pledged allegiance to the group calling itself Islamic State (IS). The call was made after his vehicle struck a wall following the car-ramming portion of the attack. The pledge in the call has been noted by Counter Terrorism Police North West as part of their assessment of the attacker’s mindset and affiliations.
Victims and injuries
The attack resulted in the deaths of two men, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Mr Daulby, who was shot as armed officers responded to the scene, died after gunfire penetrated the doorway of the synagogue. A police bullet also struck another man, Yoni Finlay, who remains in hospital after surgery. Additional injuries included a stabbing in the neck and chest for another individual, with two more people seriously hurt in the confrontation.
Police response and ongoing investigation
Greater Manchester Police and Counter Terrorism Police North West have stated that every available resource is being used to understand precisely what happened. Sir Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable, emphasized that while there are limits to what can be disclosed publicly at this stage, investigators are pursuing all avenues to uncover the dynamics of the attack. The authorities have pledged to provide information as soon as it is appropriate to share.
Context within counter-terrorism efforts
The Manchester incident is being treated within the broader framework of anti-terrorism work in the UK. Pledges or declarations of allegiance during or after an attack are closely analyzed to determine whether a suspect’s actions were influenced by extremist ideologies or orchestrated by a broader network. Law enforcement agencies continue to stress the importance of rapid, transparent reporting to reassure communities and to aid the public in understanding the threat landscape.
What comes next for the investigation
As investigators piece together the sequence of events—including how the attacker obtained the vehicle, the timeline of the assault, and the response by emergency services—the public can expect periodic updates from the police. Officials are likely to review security measures around places of worship and evaluate procedures for handling suspicious individuals in proximity to sensitive sites. The ultimate aim is to understand the motives, affiliations, and operational details that shaped the attack, and to prevent future harm.
Community impact and reassurance
In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders and local authorities have sought to reassure residents that safety remains a priority. While emotions run high after such events, the expectation is for continued vigilance balanced with support for those affected. Authorities encourage anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
