A tragic incident unfolded in Manchester on September 28, 2023, when police admitted that one of the victims of a synagogue terror attack was shot dead by their officers. The attack occurred during a gathering at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue as worshippers assembled to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. The assailant, identified as Jihad Al Shamie, was neutralized by police within minutes after allegedly ramming a car into pedestrians and attacking individuals with a knife.
Reports indicate that the police response to the attack began around 09:30 local time (06:30 AEST). As worshippers attempted to barricade a door to prevent Al Shamie from entering the synagogue, both Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66, sustained gunshot wounds. Following an initial forensic inquiry, the Home Office pathologist confirmed that one victim died from injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.
While police managed to subdue Al Shamie, who was reportedly wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest—later determined to be non-viable—the admission that bystanders were injured by police gunfire raises significant questions about the response. Greater Manchester Police have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for further investigation.
The attack has intensified scrutiny on the police response amid rising concerns over antisemitism in the UK, particularly in light of ongoing tensions related to the conflict involving Hamas in Gaza. Critics, including Jewish groups and governmental officials, have directed their ire toward UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of inadequately addressing the increasing incidents of antisemitism in Britain.
In the aftermath of the attack, three suspects have been detained on terrorism-related charges, including two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Al Shamie’s family issued a statement expressing their shock and condemnation of the violence, emphasizing their distance from the actions of the assailant. “The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians,” the statement read.
The Manchester attack coincides with the second anniversary of Hamas’ assault on southern Israel, a date that amplifies the sensitivity surrounding this incident. Starmer had recently recognized Palestinian statehood, a move that has drawn attention to his handling of issues related to race and religion in Britain.
As investigations continue, the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, reflecting on the bravery displayed by worshippers who attempted to protect one another during a moment of profound vulnerability. The police statement noted that one victim who is currently hospitalized has suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, underscoring the tragic consequences of the day’s events.
The tragic loss of life and the series of events that unfolded highlight the urgent need for a thorough examination of police protocols in handling such critical situations, as well as the broader societal implications of rising violence and hatred.
