Manchester is in shock following a horrific attack yesterday at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur prayers. Two congregants were killed, several others injured, and new reports today reveal that one of the victims may have been accidentally shot by police responding to the incident.
Terror unfolds
At approximately 9:30 a.m., authorities received reports of a car being driven into pedestrians outside the synagogue, followed by reports of a stabbing. Armed officers were dispatched rapidly under Operation Plato, the UK’s mass-incident response protocol.
The attacker, identified as Jihad al‑Shamie, reportedly drove into pedestrians before stabbing people nearby. He was wearing what appeared to be an explosive belt, later found to be non-functional. Police shot and killed him at the scene within minutes.
The victims of the attack have been identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Three others were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Shocking new details
Today, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that one of the deceased victims suffered a gunshot wound consistent with police fire. Officials stated the attacker did not have a firearm, meaning the shots were fired solely by responding officers. Another hospitalized victim may have sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury.
Police Chief Stephen Watson said:
“One of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury … it may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
An independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been launched to examine the circumstances of the shooting.
National response
The attack has drawn condemnation from leaders across the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the events “horrific” and chaired an emergency security meeting, pledging increased protection for Jewish communities. Religious and community leaders expressed deep sorrow and urged calm and unity.
The incident comes amid a rise in antisemitic attacks in the UK, with many viewing the synagogue attack as a symbolic act of terror aimed at the Jewish community.
Moving forward
Manchester has declared a vigil for tonight. Authorities continue to investigate the attack and the accidental shooting. Questions remain about how police gunfire struck a worshipper and whether the attacker had accomplices.
While the city mourns, the tragedy underscores the complex risks faced by communities in vulnerable locations — even from those seeking to protect them.
