Shock in Manchester: Police May Have Shot One of Their Own Victims in Synagogue Terror Attack

In a harrowing incident that continues to rattle the UK, authorities now believe that one of the two people killed in yesterday’s attack at a Manchester synagogue may have been accidentally shot by police during their intervention. The revelation has added yet another layer of complexity to an event already steeped in grief, outrage, and political fallout. 

Here’s what is known so far, as of October 3, 2025:

What happened: the attack in brief

On October 2, 2025 — the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur — a man drove a vehicle into a crowd outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, before launching a knife attack. 

Police say that they shot and killed the suspect, identified as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. 

At least two worshippers died, and three others were seriously injured. 

The police shooting twist

On October 3, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced a startling update: one of the victims killed may have died from a police bullet fired in the course of the intervention. 

• The suspect was not believed to be armed with a firearm, according to police statements. 

• The only shots fired at the scene came from GMP’s authorized firearms officers. 

• Medical examiners provisionally concluded that one fatality “would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.” 

• Another of those injured is also believed to have suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. 

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson acknowledged that this may have been an unintended consequence of officers acting under extreme pressure to prevent further harm. “This injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers,” he said. 

Forensic and post-mortem examination are underway to clarify precisely what happened. 

The victims & arrests

Authorities have named the two men killed as Adrian Daulby (53) and Melvin Cravitz (66), both killed outside the synagogue grounds in the assault. 

Three further individuals have been arrested on suspicion of terror-related offenses:

• Two men, in their 30s, in Crumpsall. 

• A woman in her 60s, from Prestwich. 

Investigators are examining digital devices, motivation, possible radicalisation links, and whether this was a solo attack or part of a wider plot. 

Government & public response

The UK government has moved swiftly:

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer returned early from an overseas trip, convened a COBR meeting, and vowed to intensify efforts to combat antisemitism. 

• In a formal statement, the PM described the attack as one targeting both Jews and Britain’s values, saying: “That attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.” 

• The government pledged to redouble its efforts to tackle antisemitism. 

• Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called for a “national soul-searching,” warning of the dangers of antisemitic rhetoric and protests, including slogans like “globalise the intifada.” 

• Religious and community leaders across the UK have condemned the attack, calling for unity, dialogue, and heightened protections for Jewish institutions. 

• Some politicians have criticized recent pro-Palestine protests, urging organizers to delay or pause them out of respect and caution. 

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