A tragic terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in north Manchester on Thursday, October 2, 2025, resulted in multiple casualties, including the death of Adrian Daulby from a 'single but fatal gunshot wound' fired by a 'police issue firearm', as confirmed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Another worshipper, identified as Yoni Finlay, also suffered a single gunshot wound from police fire. Both Mr Daulby and Mr Finlay were caught in crossfire, standing behind the synagogue door as armed officers confronted attacker Jihad Al-Shamie, who was shot dead by police. Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed by Al-Shamie during the initial assault.

The IOPC launched an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting, which is mandatory in cases where police use of force results in a death. While the investigation is ongoing, the IOPC has found 'no apparent misconduct' by the officers who discharged their weapons. A ballistics expert is actively working to understand the shooting 'in more detail', and the probe includes determining 'whether police may have caused or contributed to the death of Mr Daulby' and the injuries sustained by Mr Finlay. The IOPC has gathered significant evidence, including footage from a six-minute period (9:37 to 9:43 am) and initial police statements, confirming that no other firearms were recovered from the scene.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson issued a statement welcoming the IOPC's initial findings of no apparent misconduct, acknowledging the brave actions of officers in ending the dreadful attack and preventing further harm. He extended thoughts to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy. Sir Stephen also confirmed GMP's commitment to openness regarding any previous dealings with Jihad Al-Shamie. The IOPC has received a referral from GMP to include in its review any contact the force may have had with Al-Shamie since December 2024, when an allegation of rape was made against him, for which he was on bail at the time of the attack. Officers involved in the response are being treated as witnesses, which is standard procedure.

Jihad Al-Shamie, born in Syria and moved to Britain as a child, led a complex and chaotic life. Despite calling 999 during his deadly assault to pledge allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State, he was not on the radar of counter-terror officers. One of his wives, whom he married in an Islamic ceremony in 2021, described him as "intimidating, aggressive and controlling" but stated he showed no prior signs of extremism, though he was "glued to his phone" watching Arabic news channels. She now believes he was "living a lie with his religion" and did not appear to have the mindset of a terrorist, yet acknowledged his aggression and manipulative nature.

It emerged that Al-Shamie was allegedly involved in multiple Islamic marriages across northern England simultaneously, fathering two young children with one woman. Other wives recounted his "controlling and manipulating" behaviour, his refusal of divorce requests, and his use of multiple online personae, including "Jay" and "Dormammu Seven". One Muslim convert wife reported that Shamie had raped her multiple times, which she disclosed to police only after the synagogue attack, providing a witness account and mobile phone evidence. Shamie was on police bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack, and police had also attended his family home earlier in the year due to safeguarding concerns.

The attacker's motives are under examination, with Counter Terrorism Policing North West exploring Israel's attack on Gaza as a potential catalyst, especially after a witness heard him shout: "This is what you’re going to get for killing our children" during the assault. However, questions also arise regarding his chaotic personal life, including the ongoing rape investigation and his alleged deception of multiple women, potentially leading to a breakdown that triggered the violence. The tragic incident, occurring on Yom Kippur, has left families and the wider community grieving, underscoring the devastating impact of senseless violence. Dual investigations by the IOPC and Counter Terrorism Policing North West continue to piece together the full sequence of events.