A horrific terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester on Thursday morning, October 2, during Yom Kippur, resulted in the deaths of two men, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, and left four others seriously injured. The attacker, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by armed officers at the scene. This tragic event has brought to light disturbing details about Al-Shamie's past, including accounts of extreme manipulation and violence from a former partner, as well as an ongoing police investigation into the wider circumstances of the attack.

Adrian Daulby, hailed as a "tremendously strong hero" at his funeral held on Monday, October 6, was accidentally shot by police while bravely preventing Al-Shamie from breaking into the synagogue. Rabbi Daniel Walker, leading a service at the time, described Daulby as a "quiet man" who, when "evil struck," leaped from his seat to brace and hold the doors against the attacker, ultimately saving lives. Daulby's nieces echoed this sentiment, calling him a "true hero" who exemplified the teaching that "to save a single life is to save the world." Neighbours remembered Daulby as a kind soul who loved animals, conversed with local children, and even gave gifts to Muslim youngsters on Eid. Melvin Cravitz was also tragically killed in the attack, and his funeral was held on Sunday, October 5, where hundreds gathered to pay respects. Three men remain in hospital with serious injuries, including a security guard with car-impact injuries and a Community Security Trust (CST) worker with stab wounds.

Al-Shamie's dark past is slowly unraveling, revealing a pattern of manipulation and extreme views. A former partner, who was in an on-off relationship with him, spoke exclusively to the Manchester Evening News after realizing he was responsible for the attack. She recounted being stalked, picked up against her will, locked in his car, and physically threatened, with Al-Shamie stating, "I could kill you with my bare hands." The woman, who has since left the country, described how Al-Shamie meticulously tracked her, knowing her workplace and home address, and would coerce her by threatening to involve her family. She revealed that Al-Shamie lied about his age, claiming to be 24 when she was 18, only for her to discover he was in his mid-30s and had children and an ex-wife, contrary to his claims.

The former partner also shared how she felt "groomed" during their four-month relationship, with Al-Shamie pushing extreme views onto her. He urged her to "be dedicated to the cause," showed her "extreme videos," and disturbingly expressed "rape fantasies." After their breakup, he sent her abusive messages, including one that read: "We had a good year or so. I enjoyed destroying you hundreds of times. In your prime." He also sent a voice note body-shaming her and offering unsolicited dieting advice. Despite Al-Shamie frequently stating that hurting or killing people would lead to hell, his former partner expressed profound shock at his actions, noting that when she saw his picture after the attack, "It looked like he'd gone insane." She now deeply regrets not reporting his concerning behavior to the police, fearing for her safety at the time.

In the aftermath of the attack, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued a statement refuting "reports circulating" that Jihad Al-Shamie had previously been reported to the police over extremist behavior. GMP insists that Al-Shamie was "not known to Counter Terrorism Policing" and that such reports are "inaccurate." The investigation is continuing at pace, with four individuals arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism granted warrants for further detention for up to five additional days. Two other individuals, a man and a woman, were released without charge. The police watchdog is also continuing to examine the use of lethal force by GMP firearms officers. It has been confirmed that Al-Shamie was on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack and police suggest he may have been influenced by an "extreme Islamist mindset." The attack has prompted an outpouring of grief and support, with Keir Starmer pledging to increase police and security presence outside synagogues.