Armed police appear to have fatally shot one of the victims of the Manchester synagogue terrorist attack, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the Home Office pathologist provisionally determined that one of the two deceased died from a gunshot wound. The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a firearm; the only shots fired were by police officers.
The attack occurred at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, on Yom Kippur. Shamie rammed a car into the grounds and then attempted to stab worshippers. Officers shot him twice, killing him at the temple door. He wore a fake explosive vest.
Two victims were named as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Three others were seriously injured, one of whom also suffered a gunshot wound, which police said was not life-threatening. Both the deceased and the injured by police fire were reportedly behind the synagogue door trying to prevent the attacker from entering.
Watson stated: 'It follows therefore that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.' He added that specialist officers are supporting all affected.
Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, had sent threatening emails in 2012 to former MP John Howell. Counter-terrorism police are investigating. Three others have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed surprise at the attacker's first name but noted it was his birth name.
