Manchester Synagogue Attack: 6 Arrested in Terror Probe
British counter-terrorism police have apprehended six individuals in connection with a devastating terror attack that took place outside the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. This tragic incident occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, resulting in the loss of two lives and leaving three others severely injured. Fortunately, the attacker was neutralized by police at the scene.
What We Know About the Attack
On Thursday morning, a car rammed into pedestrians outside the Heaton Park synagogue. The driver, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, exited the vehicle and began stabbing people. The attack was swift and brutal, ending when armed officers confronted and killed Al-Shamie. Tragically, two congregation members, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, lost their lives. In a devastating turn of events, police have revealed that Mr. Daulby may have been accidentally shot by an officer during the rapid response to neutralize the threat.
Investigation and Arrests
Greater Manchester Police are treating the rampage as a terrorist incident, likely driven by “extreme Islamist ideology.” Consequently, six individuals—three men and three women, aged between 18 and their 60s—were apprehended on suspicion of “commissioning, preparing, and instigating acts of terrorism.” The ongoing investigation aims to ascertain whether Al-Shamie acted alone or was part of a larger network.
A Nation Grapples with Rising Antisemitism
This attack has sent shockwaves through Britain’s Jewish community and highlighted a dramatic increase in antisemitism. According to the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity protecting British Jews, antisemitic incidents have surged since the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. This event has intensified the debate on the line between political protest and hate speech.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the “vile terrorist attack that attacked Jews, because they are Jews,” and promised to enhance security for the Jewish community. For more on government responses to hate crimes, see reports from the Home Office.
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Key Takeaways
- Victims: Two men, Melvin Cravitz (66) and Adrian Daulby (53), were killed.
- Attacker: Identified as Jihad Al-Shamie (35), a British citizen of Syrian origin. He was killed by police at the scene.
- Arrests: Six people have been arrested on terrorism-related charges.
- Motive: Police believe the attack was motivated by extremist ideology.
- Context: The attack occurred on Yom Kippur and amidst a sharp rise in UK antisemitism.
- Friendly Fire: One victim may have been tragically killed by a police gunshot during the response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, members of the local Jewish community, were killed in the attack. Three other men were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Police are investigating the incident as a terrorist act and believe the attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, may have been influenced by “extreme Islamist ideology.”
Yes. Organizations like the Community Security Trust have reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents across the UK, particularly in the last year.
Christine Morgan is a senior staff writer and journalist at ReadBitz.com, where she brings clarity and context to the most pressing global events. As a leading voice on the daily news desk, she is dedicated to demystifying the complex web of international affairs, politics, and economics for a diverse global readership.