Was the Synagogue Attack Victim Fatally Wounded by Just One Bullet?

The inquest into the tragic attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on 2 October revealed that Adrian Daulby, 53, was fatally shot by police while heroically attempting to prevent the assailant from entering. The attack, perpetrated by Jihad Al-Shamie, also claimed the life of Melvin Cravitz, 66, who was stabbed during the incident. This report outlines the key details surrounding the inquest and the implications for community safety and policing practices in the UK.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The inquest into the tragic events at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue has highlighted the chaotic and distressing circumstances surrounding the attack. During the inquest held at Manchester Coroner's Court, it was confirmed that Adrian Daulby was shot by police as he tried to hold the doors against Jihad Al-Shamie, who was armed with a knife and reportedly wore a suicide vest. This incident raises significant questions regarding police engagement in active shooter scenarios and the protocols in place to prevent collateral damage to innocent victims.

Key takeaways

Adrian Daulby was shot by police while attempting to secure the synagogue doors against the attacker.
Melvin Cravitz was fatally stabbed as Al-Shamie entered the synagogue premises.
The attack occurred during Yom Kippur, a significant day in the Jewish calendar.

Timeline: how we got here

Here are the significant dates leading up to the inquest and the attack:

2 October 2023 (BST): Jihad Al-Shamie attacks the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, fatally injuring Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz.
5 October 2023 (BST): Inquests into the deaths of Daulby and Cravitz opened and adjourned at Manchester Coroner's Court.
13 October 2023 (BST): Inquest into the death of Jihad Al-Shamie is scheduled to open.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The inquest revealed specific details about the sequence of events during the attack, including the actions taken by both the victims and police. It was established that Daulby was shot from a police bullet that penetrated the synagogue doors, raising important questions about police procedures in such high-stakes situations.

What was already established

Prior to the inquest, it was known that Jihad Al-Shamie had initiated the attack by driving a car into a security guard before attempting to stab Melvin Cravitz. The incident was not only shocking due to the use of violence but also due to its timing during a religious observance.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The attack has left a community in mourning and raised concerns about safety during religious gatherings. Many attendees of religious events may now feel vulnerable, prompting discussions about increased security measures at places of worship.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses may see a decrease in footfall as community members reassess their safety when attending public events. Increased security measures could also lead to higher operating costs for places of worship and community centres.

Policy and regulation

This incident may prompt calls for reviews of police engagement protocols during active violence situations. There may also be discussions around mental health support for witnesses and the families affected by the tragedy.

Numbers that matter

2: The number of victims killed during the attack — Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz.
1: The number of assailants involved, Jihad Al-Shamie, who is deceased.
30: The approximate time in minutes before armed police arrived at the scene.

Definitions and jargon buster

Yom Kippur: The holiest day in Judaism, observed with fasting and prayer.
Inquest: A judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding a death.
Suicide vest: A device worn by an individual intending to cause harm through detonation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the short term, community leaders and local authorities will likely hold discussions about enhancing safety measures at places of worship. Additional police presence may also be implemented during religious observances.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next months, there may be wider societal discussions regarding the security of public spaces and the need for potentially revising police engagement protocols during active shooter situations.

Signals to watch

Future announcements regarding potential changes to police protocols.
Community meetings addressing public safety and security measures.
Outcomes of the inquest into Jihad Al-Shamie’s death.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about community safety measures.
Engage with local leaders about concerns regarding safety.
Support the families affected by the tragedy in any community-led initiatives.

Don’t

Don’t ignore feelings of fear or anxiety regarding safety in community spaces.
Don’t engage in speculation about the motives without factual evidence.
Don’t hesitate to report any suspicious behaviour to local authorities.

Checklist

Understand the emergency protocols at your place of worship.
Stay connected to local news for updates on community safety.
Consider participating in community safety meetings.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the investigation and inquests continue, there may be uncertainties regarding the full details of the police engagement and the specifics surrounding Al-Shamie’s actions. It is crucial to approach emerging information with caution, recognising that further details may alter the current understanding of the event.

Bottom line

The tragic attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue has not only resulted in the loss of two innocent lives but has also raised pressing questions about community safety and police protocols. As the inquest unfolds, it will be vital for the community to engage in discussions about preventing such future tragedies and ensuring safety during religious observances.

FAQs

What happened during the Manchester synagogue attack?

The Manchester synagogue attack involved Jihad Al-Shamie who fatally stabbed Melvin Cravitz and shot Adrian Daulby. Daulby was shot by police while trying to keep the attacker out.

When did the attack occur?

The attack occurred on 2 October 2023 during Yom Kippur, a significant day in the Jewish calendar.

What is an inquest?

An inquest is a legal inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding a death, specifically to ascertain how and why the death occurred.