Manchester: A deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester has left two men dead and three others hospitalized, as authorities revealed that the attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, was on police bail following a rape investigation at the time of the assault. The shocking incident occurred on Thursday morning during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, leaving the local community reeling and raising renewed concerns about lone-actor terrorism in the United Kingdom.
Police say Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent living in Prestwich, carried out a coordinated assault using both a vehicle and a knife outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. The attack claimed the lives of 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz. Three other individuals remain hospitalized with injuries sustained during the attack. Greater Manchester Police have indicated that Al-Shamie may have been influenced by “extreme Islamist ideology.”
Three additional suspects, aged between 18 and the mid-40s, have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism. Authorities are seeking warrants to extend the detention of all six individuals now in custody, reflecting concerns that the attack may have involved a broader network.
Details of the attack have emerged from witness accounts. Police said Al-Shamie was first observed acting suspiciously outside the synagogue, prompting intervention by on-site security. Fifteen minutes later, he returned in a vehicle and began the violent assault, targeting both worshippers and bystanders. Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading prayers at the time, described seeing “evil and hate” as the attacker attempted to force his way into the building, body-charging doors and throwing heavy objects.
Tributes have poured in for the victims. Daulby’s family described his death as “an act of courage to save others,” emphasizing his bravery in the face of imminent danger. Cravitz, who served as a security guard at the synagogue, was remembered as “kind, caring, and devoted to his wife, family, and community.” Alan Levy, chairman of the synagogue’s trustees, recounted hearing Al-Shamie shout, “This is what they get for killing our children,” as he attempted to break through the synagogue doors.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a full investigation into the use of lethal force by armed officers. Police fatally shot Al-Shamie, but Daulby was also accidentally hit by police gunfire, and worshipper Yoni Finlay sustained serious injuries. The inquiry will examine whether police actions contributed to the fatalities and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Residents of Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a reserved weightlifting enthusiast who rarely spoke to neighbors. His family issued a statement distancing themselves from the attack, expressing “deep shock and sorrow” while offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Authorities have emphasized the need for vigilance in monitoring individuals under police bail who may pose a risk to the public. Counter-terrorism officials continue to investigate Al-Shamie’s connections and potential ideological influences, while the community grapples with the aftermath of an attack that claimed innocent lives and highlighted vulnerabilities in public security.