Incident Summary: Manchester Synagogue Attack Four individuals are currently in police custody in connection with a tragic assault that occurred at a synagogue in Manchester. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, which has raised concerns within the community. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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On Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish faith, a terrorist attack occurred at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. The attack involved a vehicle and knives, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. Four individuals have been arrested and are in police custody, facing serious allegations related to the preparation of terrorist activities.
Local authorities responded to the incident, which left three men hospitalized, including a security guard and a member of the Community Security Trust (CST). The gravity of the situation has prompted a significant police operation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW), who have been granted additional time to interrogate the suspects.
Details of the attack and the victims
The assailant, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old man previously released on bail for an alleged rape charge, was shot dead by police as he attempted to enter the synagogue.
During the chaos, two individuals, Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, tragically lost their lives while trying to thwart Al-Shamie’s assault. Daulby was reportedly shot while intervening, and Cravitz, a worshipper, also perished in this act of violence.
The ongoing investigation
The police are investigating this incident, focusing on four suspects—two men aged 30 and 32, and a 61-year-old woman arrested in Prestwich, along with a 46-year-old woman taken into custody in Farnworth. Their detention has been extended for an additional five days as police gather evidence regarding their possible involvement in the attack. Meanwhile, two other individuals, an 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, were arrested but released without charges.
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has stated that the investigation is progressing swiftly, with considerable resources mobilized to uncover the full scope of the event. As of the latest reports, three individuals remain in critical condition in the hospital: one sustained serious injuries from the car impact, while another suffered stab wounds.
Community reactions and political responses
The impact of this attack has resonated throughout the community, prompting increased police patrols in the area to reassure residents. Recently, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch visited the synagogue alongside Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Assistant Chief Constable John Webster. During her visit, Badenoch emphasized the need for enhanced security measures for Jewish people in the UK, highlighting a concerning trend of individuals feeling compelled to seek safer havens like Israel amidst ongoing conflicts.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged the public to show respect to the grieving Jewish community in light of planned protests in Manchester and London over the weekend. He cautioned that such demonstrations could exacerbate the emotional distress felt by those mourning the incident. The Metropolitan Police reported a significant number of arrests—488 individuals—connected to protests supporting Palestine Action.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews (BDBJ) has called for a thorough investigation into those arrested under the Terrorism Act, suggesting that they face additional scrutiny for potential incitement of racial hatred. In their statement, they stressed the importance of balancing the right to protest with a sense of decency and respect for all communities.
As the community reflects on this tragic event, a commemorative gathering is planned by the BDBJ in central London, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel. Speakers will include notable figures such as British-Israeli academic Sharone Lifschitz and writer Adam Ma’anit, with an enhanced police presence expected at the event to ensure safety.
A fundraising initiative for the CST has gained momentum, with over £16,000 raised towards a target of £22,000, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting safety measures for Jewish congregations. During a recent match against Sunderland, Manchester United held a moment of silence to honor the victims and reflect on the violence.
Local authorities responded to the incident, which left three men hospitalized, including a security guard and a member of the Community Security Trust (CST). The gravity of the situation has prompted a significant police operation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW), who have been granted additional time to interrogate the suspects.0
