The Victims and the Suspect
Greater Manchester Police have identified the two victims killed in a terrorist attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. The victims are 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, both residents of Crumpsall. The suspect, Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were alerted to the car and stabbing attack on Thursday morning.
Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was found wearing a vest that appeared to be an explosive device. However, it was later determined not to be viable. Two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack in connection with the killings.
The Attack Unfolds
The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, when worshippers gathered at the synagogue. A man drove a car into pedestrians and then began stabbing members of the public. Police arrived shortly after and declared “Plato,” the national code word used for marauding terror attacks.
Footage on social media showed members of the public shouting to firearms officers that the suspect had a bomb strapped to him. Police later confirmed the attacker was wearing a vest that looked like an explosive device. Video posted on social media appeared to show officers pointing guns at someone lying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue.
Heroism Inside the Synagogue
The bravery of the synagogue’s rabbi and security staff has been widely praised. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described their actions as heroic, noting that their courage and quick thinking helped prevent an even greater tragedy. Witnesses described the calm and composed leadership of Rabbi Daniel Walker, who guided worshippers to safety while maintaining calm during the attack.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed that the rabbi, security guards, and members of the congregation acted decisively to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue. Their efforts, combined with the rapid intervention of police, meant the assailant was contained outside before being shot dead by officers.
Community Response and Support
The community has shown immense support for the victims and their families. Flags will be flown at half mast on UK government buildings until 8pm on Friday following today’s attack in Manchester. The Speaker has also agreed that flags in the House of Commons will be lowered for Manchester until 8pm tomorrow night.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described the events as “the day we hoped we would never see.” He emphasized that this is not only an assault on the Jewish community but an attack on the very foundations of humanity and the values of compassion, dignity, and respect which we all share.
Police Response and Security Measures
Greater Manchester Police have deployed extra officers across the city “to keep communities safe and provide reassurance” on Friday following the attack. The force said there will be a high-visibility presence in North Manchester, Bury, and Salford, particularly around Jewish communities and synagogues.
Officers will also make increased visits to local places of worship, with plans in place to cover Friday evening and the weekend. Chief Superintendent David Meeney, City of Manchester District Commander, said the move is aimed at ensuring Jewish residents “feel safe and reassured” ahead of Shabbat.
Political Reactions and Concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the “barbaric attack” on a British synagogue on Thursday was because “weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism.” He called for strength and unity to defeat it.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged to “dial down rhetoric” after the attack, suggesting that attacks on the Jewish community are on the rise due to a disproportionate focus on Israel in the debate about foreign conflicts. She accused the Government of “far too much tolerance” of pro-Palestinian chants seen by many Jews as calls for violence against them and against Israel.
Neighbors and the Suspect
Police activity has been focused on Langley Crescent in Prestwich, around two miles from the site of the attack. Neighbors of Jihad Al-Shamie, the suspect named in the Manchester synagogue terror attack, told the Manchester Evening News that he lived on the street with a family member. Simon Barlass, 56, said he often saw Al-Shamie “bench pressing in the garden” and using nearby shops.
Al-Shamie did not appear in initial police or security service records and was not believed to have been under investigation. Police also confirmed he had never been referred to the government’s Prevent anti-radicalisation programme.
Ongoing Investigations and Questions
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the attack. The suspect has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation. Further checks are being carried out to see if any of his details appear anywhere in records of other investigations.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged there are “many questions still to be answered” after today’s attack. She urged the public to exercise patience, saying they would be probed over the coming days.
Conclusion
The Manchester synagogue attack has left the community reeling, with deep sorrow and concern for the victims and their families. The bravery of the synagogue’s staff and the swift response of the police have been highlighted as critical factors in preventing further casualties. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims and ensuring the safety of the Jewish community in the wake of this tragic event.
