What happened in Manchester
An attack on a Manchester synagogue occurred on Yom Kippur, a day of major religious observance for the Jewish community. Authorities say a vehicle was driven into pedestrians outside the Heaton Park synagogue, before the assailant disembarked and attacked worshippers with a knife. The assailant, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British-born individual of Syrian origin, was immediately confronted by police on the scene and shot and killed. He had, according to investigators, no prior record flagged as extremism.
The incident was classified as a terrorist attack by the authorities and prompted a swift security response, both at the site and in Jewish community spaces across the country. Three suspects—two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties—were arrested and remain in custody as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Victims and the community impact
The two people killed in the attack were Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Both were members of Manchester’s Jewish community and lived in the Crumpsall district where the Heaton Park synagogue is located. The police confirmed that those killed had been behind the synagogue’s door during the assault when the gunfire occurred. A third person was wounded by a stabbing, another victim was struck by the vehicle, and a fourth person sustained a gunshot wound inflicted by police at the scene. In total, three victims remained hospitalized with serious injuries on Friday.
Daulby’s family described him as a hero who acted to protect others during the attack, with the family’s statement highlighting the courage shown by worshippers who tried to keep the attacker from entering the building.
How the police explained the fatal shooting
Police said Adrian Daulby died as a result of an accidental police gunshot incurred during the intervention to neutralize the attacker. A second injured person was also shot by police, underscoring the chaotic nature of a rapid, on-site response intended to save lives. Local police emphasized that the two victims who were near the sanctuary door played a pivotal role in defending the congregation when the assault began.
Authorities stressed that the complex nature of counterterrorism operations can involve unfortunate outcomes, especially in crowded, highly charged emergencies. The regional police chief described the officers’ actions as a response to a live threat while ensuring other worshippers remained safe.
The suspects and the investigation
In addition to the gunman’s death, investigators moved quickly to detain three alleged accomplices. The group includes two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties. Police said the arrests are connected to the broader inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack, and searches are ongoing to gather further evidence about planning and intimidation motives.
Security and political response across the UK
The assault prompted heightened security at places of worship and other community venues across Britain. Home Office officials underscored that the country remains on high alert and pledged continued vigilance against anti-Semitic violence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the attack site on Friday morning with his spouse, delivering a message that emphasized unity and resilience in the face of terrorism and rising anti-Semitism.
Religious and civic leaders called for national solidarity, urging Britons to stand against hatred in all its forms. The rabbinical leadership and synagogue officials urged the public to come together and reaffirm the community’s resolve to live in safety and dignity, despite the tragedy. A separate critique surfaced regarding planed demonstrations over the weekend; Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood expressed disappointment that those events were not canceled, stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in peaceful discourse.
What happens next
With the investigation ongoing, authorities expect to release more details about the attacker’s motives, the timeline of events, and the network involved. Investigators will examine evidence from the crime scene, digital traces, and interviews with witnesses to understand how the attack was organized and whether there were overseas connections. For the Manchester Jewish community and wider society, the focus now is on healing, vigilance, and reinforcing protections for places of worship and community centers across the United Kingdom.
