In a tragic turn during the terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, the UK police have revealed that one of the victims who died may have been accidentally shot by officers while trying to stop the attacker, a Reuters report said.
The suspect, who was only armed with a knife and a fake explosives vest, was shot dead by police, but it’s believed that some of their gunfire may have also hit worshippers who were bravely defending the synagogue.
Manchester synagogue attack
The attack left two men dead, 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, both longtime local residents and members of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall, a Manchester suburb.
The two were inside the synagogue, behind a door, trying to keep the attacker out as he tried to spread terror on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Police later confirmed that at least one of the victims was killed by police gunfire in the chaos of trying to stop the assailant.
Another person was hospitalized with gunshot wounds, and several others were injured from stabbing and from being hit by the vehicle the attacker used to ram into pedestrians outside.
The attacker, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, began the assault by plowing his car into worshippers near the synagogue.
He then moved inside, stabbing congregants, before armed officers intervened and fatally shot him just three minutes after the violence began.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson expressed deep regret that victims had been struck by police bullets, but emphasized that officers had to act quickly to prevent even greater loss of life.
He confirmed that the only shots fired came from trained firearms officers as they worked to stop the lone attacker.
Community impact and official reactions
The fact that this attack happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, has made it even more devastating for the community and the country.
What should have been a day of prayer, reflection, and peace suddenly turned into chaos and fear.
For many, the violence has sent shockwaves not just through Manchester but across the UK, reigniting concerns about extremist threats against minority communities.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the Manchester synagogue to show support. He stood with the Jewish community, promising that the government would step up security at places of worship.
Starmer condemned the act as one of hatred and made it clear that unity and vigilance are essential in the fight against terrorism and hate crimes.
His visit was meant to reassure vulnerable communities and send a message that safety, tolerance, and solidarity will remain national priorities.
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