A horrific terrorist attack unfolded on October 2nd at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The perpetrator, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a black Kia Picanto into a crowd of worshippers gathered outside the religious building. He then exited the vehicle and launched a brutal knife attack, killing two men and seriously injuring four others.

The two victims fatally killed were identified as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both residents of Crumpsall. Heartbreakingly, one of the deceased victims, Adrian Daulby, and one of the injured victims, Yoni Finlay (a father-of-three), were confirmed to have sustained gunshot wounds from armed police officers responding to the scene. They were caught in the crossfire as they bravely attempted to barricade the synagogue doors from the inside to prevent Al-Shamie from gaining entry and causing further harm. Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson stated that Al-Shamie was not carrying a firearm, and the only shots fired were by GMP's Authorised Firearms Officers, classifying these injuries as a "tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action."

Al-Shamie was shot dead by armed police within seven minutes of the first 999 call. He was reportedly wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest, which was later confirmed to be non-viable. The immediate bravery of security staff and worshippers, including Michael Goldstone (former Tory minister Grant Shapps' father-in-law) and Rabbi Daniel Walker, was crucial in preventing the attacker from entering the synagogue building, an action lauded by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chief Constable Watson for averting an even greater tragedy. Rabbi Walker calmly led the congregation to safety and continued the service across the road after they were evacuated.

Investigations are ongoing, with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) working to establish the full facts. Home Office post-mortems are being conducted to determine the exact cause of death for the victims. Three other individuals – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – were arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism. Further arrests were also understood to have been made.

Details about Al-Shamie's background emerged, revealing he lived in Prestwich (Langley Crescent) since around 2021 and had grown up in the Crumpsall area. He entered the UK as a child and was granted British citizenship in 2006. Despite the attack, he was not known to police or security services and had not been referred to the government's Prevent anti-radicalisation scheme. His father, Faraj Al-Shamie, a trauma surgeon, released a statement condemning his son's "heinous act," distancing the family from the attack, although he had reportedly posted anti-Israel content on social media previously.

Tributes poured in for the victims. Melvin Cravitz, 66, was described as the "heart of the community," known for his kindness and willingness to help others, having worked at Halpern's Kosher Supermarket for 25 years. Adrian Daulby, 53, a cancer survivor and animal lover, was a respected figure who volunteered with the Community Security Trust (CST) and was on guard during the attack. Yoni Finlay, the injured victim, was also working for CST. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis lamented the attack as a consequence of an "unrelenting wave of Jew hatred." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her condolences and thanked the emergency services and community for their swift actions. Police patrols have been increased across the region to reassure and protect the Jewish community.