Deadly Attack on Yom Kippur: Unpacking the Manchester Synagogue Tragedy
In a shocking act of violence that marred the solemn observance of Yom Kippur, two individuals were tragically killed and three others injured outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Thursday morning. The assailant, who first drove a vehicle into a crowd and then proceeded to stab people, was fatally shot by police in a rapid response to the unfolding horror.
The attack took place while the Jewish community gathered for services at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. In the immediate aftermath, the British government moved to increase security measures at Jewish institutions across the nation.
Here’s a summary of what has been confirmed:
- What transpired and where?
- What details are known about the attacker?
- Who were the victims of this horrific event?
- Was this incident officially classified as a terrorist attack?
What Happened and Where?
The Greater Manchester Police reported receiving an emergency call at 9:31 a.m. on Thursday, detailing a vehicle being driven into members of the public and multiple stabbings. The scene of the attack was near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson confirmed that Greater Manchester Police officers neutralized the attacker within seven minutes of the initial distress call. The assailant was found wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest; however, police later confirmed it was non-viable.
Eyewitness footage captured armed police officers with rifles trained on the suspected attacker, who was on the ground outside the synagogue, with an injured person nearby. In the video, which circulated on social media, an officer urgently warned onlookers to retreat, shouting, “He has a bomb. Go away.”
Moments after, as the individual on the ground seemed to attempt to rise, police discharged at least one shot, causing the man to collapse again. Authorities praised a quick-thinking witness whose immediate call to police is believed to have prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue.
What Do We Know About the Attacker?
The attacker, who was killed by armed officers, has been identified by police as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. Counter Terrorism Policing in Britain stated that Mr. al-Shamie was not on their radar as a prior threat, and investigators are actively working to establish a motive for the attack.
Three individuals – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been apprehended on suspicion of commissioning, preparing, and instigating acts of terrorism. These charges relate to the planning of terrorist activities within Britain. Their identities have not been publicly released.
Police searches are ongoing at two residences linked to the attacker and suspects: one in Crumpsall, a short distance from the synagogue, and another in Prestwich, approximately two miles away.
Who Are the Victims?
The attack tragically claimed the lives of two members of the Jewish community, while three others are currently receiving hospital treatment. British police identified the two deceased men on Friday as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Was It a Terrorist Attack?
Laurence Taylor, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing in the United Kingdom, has officially declared the incident an act of terrorism.
The Greater Manchester Police initially activated specific protocols for armed officers and emergency services designed for major incidents, including “marauding terrorist attacks.” These protocols were subsequently stood down. The classification of an event as terrorism under British law requires a senior official to assess immediate information, including witness statements, electronic device contents from suspects, and their personal histories, to ascertain if the violence was driven by a political, religious, racial, or ideological motive.
Christine Hauser and Rylee Kirk contributed reporting.