An inquest revealed that a terrorist was fatally shot by armed police after charging towards them with a knife during the Manchester synagogue attack. The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was wearing a fake suicide belt during the incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on October 2, where two individuals, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, tragically lost their lives on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur.
Al-Shamie, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, attempted to storm the synagogue before being shot by officers. The police responded to the incident by implementing Operation Plato, their protocol for handling terror attacks, firing multiple rounds at the assailant as he advanced toward them with a knife and what appeared to be an explosive belt.
Following the shooting, there were concerns about potential explosives on al-Shamie, delaying the official declaration of his death until 4:38 pm. Meanwhile, the inquests into the deaths of the two victims were opened and adjourned. Mr. Daulby was tragically killed by a stray police bullet while bravely trying to secure the synagogue doors during the attack.
Rabbi Daniel Walker, present during the attack, paid tribute to the victims, describing them as exceptional individuals who will be deeply missed. He highlighted Mr. Daulby’s heroic actions in saving lives during the assault, emphasizing his quick thinking and courage in protecting others from harm. Walker reminisced about the two men’s positive qualities, expressing the immense loss felt by the community in their absence.