In the aftermath of Thursday’s violent attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, authorities have now identified the two men who lost their lives. They have been named as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Their families have been notified, and a broader investigation continues into the motivations and circumstances of the assault.
The Attack Unfolded
On Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, an assailant drove into the synagogue’s grounds before launching a stabbing rampage. The violence lasted approximately six minutes and ended only when armed officers intervened and shot the attacker twice. In addition to the two fatalities, three others sustained serious injuries in the assault.
Police say the attacker—identified as Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British national of Syrian descent—was confronted by officers on the scene. Alongside the stabbing, the initial car ramming into the synagogue compound intensified the chaos. In total, authorities arrested three other individuals on suspicion of involvement in planning or supporting the attack.
Names of the Fallen & Public Reaction
The identities of the two victims were confirmed on Friday, following communication between police and their families. Formal postmortem examinations are scheduled.
Daulby’s family publicly expressed profound grief. “As Adrian’s family, we are heartbroken by his passing. We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we grieve and seek the answers we need,” they said in a statement.
Det Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, coordinating the investigation, offered condolences and assured that liaison officers were working to support the bereaved families. He emphasized sensitivity to cultural and religious practices in how information is handled and shared publicly.
Political, Religious, and Security Fallout
The attack triggered condemnation across the political spectrum in Britain. Opposition leader Keir Starmer labeled the assailant a “vile individual” who targeted Jews and British values. Other prominent figures, including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, voiced solidarity with Manchester’s Jewish community and called for renewed protections for places of worship.
Given the location and timing, often associated with Jewish festivals, police have already announced increased security measures around synagogues, community centers, and Jewish institutions across the region. Uniformed patrols and visibility operations are being stepped up to reassure and protect local Jewish residents.
Ongoing Investigation & Wider Implications
While the named victims represent a human face on the tragedy, authorities continue to probe whether the attack was motivated by antisemitism, terrorism, or mental health factors. The arrests made thus far suggest that investigators are exploring connections, planning, or encouragement beyond a lone individual.
CCTV, witness statements, mobile phone data, and digital communications will play key roles in unraveling the sequence of events and any co-conspirators. Officials have pledged to be thorough and transparent where possible, balancing public interest, security, and the need to protect the dignity of victims and their families.
In the coming days, further updates may include charging decisions for additional suspects, forensic findings, and insights into the attacker’s background and intent. Public pressure is mounting for swift justice, but authorities caution that due process must prevail even as emotions remain raw.
