One of the victims of the Manchester synagogue terrorist attack died from a gunshot wound sustained during an exchange of fire by armed police, the Home Office pathologist has provisionally concluded. The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm, meaning the only shots fired were by officers responding to the incident.
Greater Manchester Police chief constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed that a second victim, who is among three people still in hospital with serious injuries, also suffered a gunshot wound that is not life-threatening. Both victims were reportedly behind the synagogue door, attempting to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.
The attack, which occurred at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall on Yom Kippur, resulted in the deaths of 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz. Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, rammed a car into the grounds before stabbing worshippers over a six-minute rampage. He was shot dead by officers at the door of the temple.
Watson expressed regret over what he described as “a tragic and unforeseen consequence” of the urgent police action needed to end the attack. He added that the officers involved were “brave” and that specialist support is being provided to all affected, including first responders.
Three other individuals have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, commented on the attacker’s first name, Jihad, saying it was “the name he was born with.” Counter-terrorism police are also investigating whether Shamie previously made death threats to a former Conservative MP.
