A week after a devastating terror attack shook the north Manchester community, new details have emerged regarding the ongoing investigation, the heroic response of emergency services, and the poignant gathering of a community determined to heal. On Thursday, October 2, during the holy day of Yom Kippur, knifeman Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, unleashed horror at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road in Crumpsall. Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born Brit, was shot dead by armed officers at the scene after he drove his vehicle at Jewish worshippers, then attacked them with knives while wearing a fake suicide belt and shouting: “This is what you’re going to get for killing our children.” Police believe he was influenced by extremist Islamist ideology and had called 999 during his deadly rampage, pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group.

The attack tragically claimed the lives of two innocent men: Melvin Cravitz, 66, a father-of-three, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Daulby is believed to have been inadvertently shot by police as he bravely ran to block the synagogue doors, attempting to prevent Al-Shamie from continuing his knife rampage inside. Their sacrifices were honored a week later as the community grieved their loss.

Counter-terrorism investigations, led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) with national support, remain ongoing. Initially, six other suspects were arrested and interviewed at length. While two were released without charge on Sunday, October 5, and the remaining four (including two men aged 30 and 32, and two women aged 46 and 61) were later released, a significant development occurred on Thursday afternoon, October 9. The 30-year-old man, first taken into custody on the day of the attack, was re-arrested at Manchester Airport. He had been initially arrested on suspicion of terrorism acts but was subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of Failing to Disclose Information contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000 after being stopped at the airport around 12:34 pm. He has since been bailed with conditions. Counter-terror police have stated they do not believe there is any ongoing threat due to last week's attack, though the investigation continues.

The immediate response from emergency services highlighted profound changes since past incidents. Firefighters from Agecroft fire station in Salford, en route to another 999 call, observed Al-Shamie’s crashed car and a casualty outside the synagogue. They stopped to assist, and within minutes, four firefighters in 'anti-ballistic equipment' accompanied armed police into the synagogue. Inside, they administered first aid to injured worshippers and facilitated the building’s evacuation. This incident prompted the declaration of a PLATO incident, an alert signaling a potential marauding terror attack.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham lauded the bravery of the firefighters, stating that their response demonstrated that lessons from the 2017 Manchester Arena attack were "truly learned." He noted that following the Kerslake report, which criticized the fire service's delayed entry during the Arena tragedy, extensive training for marauding terrorist attacks (MTA) and significant investment in equipment had been implemented. Deputy Mayor Kate Green echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the training enabled firefighters to respond without hesitation, a stark contrast to the 2017 experience where crews were angry and distressed about their inability to enter quickly.

Mayor Burnham also welcomed the police watchdog's announcement of "no apparent misconduct" regarding the armed officers who fired their weapons. He praised their "incredible bravery, exemplary professionalism," crediting them with preventing a much more serious loss of life. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the community and brave individuals inside the synagogue who helped hold the doors, making the officers' job more manageable.

A week after the tragedy, on October 9, the community gathered for a solemn vigil outside the synagogue doors that heroes like Adrian Daulby helped barricade. Hundreds participated in prayers, singing, and a commemorative silence for the two men killed. Rabbi Daniel Walker delivered a powerful speech, declaring, “Evil tried to defile these steps – we will not allow that to happen,” and urged everyone to “enhance the holiness of all the world.” Michael Goldstone, 79, who witnessed Al-Shamie’s shooting from inside, described his ongoing nightmares but also an overwhelming sense of pride in the community’s defiance and response.

The vigil underscored a profound sense of unity and resilience. Former MP Ivan Lewis highlighted the "steely demonstration of being proud British Jews" and called on political leaders to address hate marches, clarifying that while most members of the Muslim community abhor violence, a small number might justify anti-Jewish sentiment. Residents like Gedalya, who had questioned his family's safety due to regular anti-Semitism, found renewed hope and resolve through the overwhelming support, vowing not to "cower away and hide." Cantor Yehuda Marx and his wife Melanie Marx spoke of the togetherness and comfort derived from hundreds of messages of support from various religious congregations worldwide. This interfaith solidarity was further exemplified by attendees like Charles King and Reverend Christine Hardy, who stressed the importance of unity among all people against such threats.

In a separate development, Faraj al-Shamie, the father of attacker Jihad Al-Shamie, issued a new statement on his Facebook account on October 9, expressing deepest gratitude for community support and profound pain for all victims’ families. He called for unity, vigilance, and compassion to prevent future such acts, commending Manchester as a "shining example of unity and coexistence." This followed an earlier statement on October 3, where the Al-Shamie family strongly condemned the "heinous act," distanced themselves from the attack, and expressed deep shock and sorrow. Jihad Al-Shamie, who grew up in Crumpsall, was granted British citizenship in 2006 and had multiple wives, including one married via FaceTime during Covid.