Fresh revelations have emerged from an inquest into the October 2 terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, which left three people dead, including the attacker. The assault, which took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar was carried out by 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen and self-proclaimed Islamic State supporter.

The tragedy unfolded around 9:30 am when Al-Shamie deliberately rammed his Kia hatchback into the synagogue’s perimeter, striking a security guard, Bernard Agyemang, and damaging the gate and wall. Emerging from the wreck, he brandished a knife and attacked 66-year-old worshipper Melvin Cravitz, inflicting multiple stab wounds to his neck and torso. Cravitz was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead at 10:45 am. Another worshipper, Andrew Franks, was also stabbed during the chaos but survived.

As Al-Shamie tried to storm the synagogue, Adrian Daulby, 53, heroically helped Rabbi David Walker barricade the main doors. During the ordeal, Al-Shamie called emergency services, declaring, “I have killed two Jews in the name of Islamic State.” Police immediately launched Operation Plato, the national response for marauding terrorist attacks, and dispatched armed officers to the scene.

Upon arrival, armed units encountered Al-Shamie still wielding a knife and wearing what appeared to be a suicide belt. Officers opened fire at 9:38 am after he charged at them. Several rounds were discharged, fatally hitting the suspect. Tragically, a stray or deflected police bullet penetrated the synagogue door, striking Daulby in the chest. He was pronounced dead at 10:15 am. Another worshipper, Yoni Finlay, sustained a minor gunshot wound but has since been discharged, along with Agyemang and Franks.

A post-mortem confirmed that Al-Shamie died from multiple gunshot wounds. His body was not declared dead until 4:38 pm nearly seven hours later as bomb disposal teams investigated the suspected explosive device he wore, which was later deemed fake. The attacker was identified via fingerprints and personal belongings. Police confirmed he was a British citizen of Syrian descent who gained UK citizenship in 2006 after arriving as a child refugee.

Chief Coroner Judge Alexia Durran opened and adjourned inquests into the deaths of Cravitz, Daulby, and Al-Shamie. Findings revealed Cravitz died from stab wounds, Daulby from a single gunshot to the chest, and Al-Shamie from multiple gunshots. Investigators disclosed Al-Shamie’s prior offenses, including a Class B drug conviction and shoplifting fine. At the time of the attack, he was on bail for rape, with allegations filed by two women.

Further background revealed Al-Shamie was a married father-of-three with at least two secret wives. He was described as a fitness enthusiast and frequent user of the Muslims-only dating app Muzmatch, where he claimed to be a data analyst of “Syrian mixed heritage.” One of his wives described him as controlling but not overtly radicalized. Counter-terrorism officers, however, believe he may have been influenced by extremist ideology.

In the wake of the tragedy, the family of Melvin Cravitz described him as a “kind and caring” man who loved connecting with others. Daulby’s family hailed his “heroic act” for saving lives during the assault. Rabbi Daniel Walker said he refuses to dwell on the attacker’s motives, focusing instead on healing his community. The Greater Manchester Police referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which found no wrongdoing by the armed officers involved. Six people initially arrested in connection with the incident were later released without charge.