A tragic incident unfolded at a synagogue in Manchester, England, where two men lost their lives in a car and knife attack. Law enforcement authorities revealed that during the chaos, one of the victims was mistakenly shot by a police officer. The attack occurred at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in the suburb of Crumpsall, resulting in the deaths of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, with three others sustaining serious injuries.
The assailant, who was later shot and killed by police, initiated the attack by driving a car into pedestrians outside the synagogue before brandishing a knife. The incident was swiftly labeled as an act of terrorism by the police force. While the attacker was found wearing what seemed to be an explosives belt, it turned out to be a fake one.
Chief of Greater Manchester Police, Stephen Watson, disclosed that a pathologist’s preliminary examination indicated that one of the deceased individuals had suffered a gunshot wound. Remarkably, neither the assailant nor his accomplices were armed, suggesting that the gunshot may have been an unintended consequence of police intervention. Another victim receiving medical treatment also exhibits signs of being shot.
The attack, which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, has sparked outrage and condemnation from various religious and political figures. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis expressed sorrow over the incident, attributing it to the escalating wave of anti-Semitic sentiments prevalent both on the streets and online.
The perpetrator, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was not on the police’s radar prior to the attack. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a larger network. Three individuals have been apprehended on suspicion of involvement in the attack.
The tragic event has reignited concerns over rising anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, with calls for increased vigilance and solidarity with the Jewish community. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for unity and support for the affected community in the wake of the attack.