Worshipper killed by officers in Manchester attack
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that one of the two people killed in Thursday’s attack at a Manchester synagogue was accidentally shot dead by armed officers as they tried to stop the attacker.
The force said the victim, 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, “appeared to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury” after officers opened fire on the assailant outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. Another person was also injured by police gunfire but is expected to recover.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson described the shooting as a “tragic and unforeseen consequence” of the officers’ efforts to end what he called “a vicious and fast-moving attack.”
Attacker had fake explosive vest
The attacker, named as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie – a British citizen of Syrian descent – drove a car at worshippers and stabbed one person before being shot dead by police. He was later found to be wearing a vest designed to look like an explosive device.
Police said Al-Shamie had recently been arrested and bailed on suspicion of rape and may have been influenced by extremist Islamist ideology. He was not known to counterterrorism officers.
His family released a statement condemning the attack as a “heinous act” and expressing “profound shock.”
Investigators have since arrested six people in connection with the incident on suspicion of terrorism offences.
Community in shock and anger
Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading prayers when the attack began, said the assailant shouted threats at the congregation – including “Allahu akbar” – as worshippers scrambled to secure the synagogue doors. Daulby, he added, was shot as he tried to help block the entrance.
Another victim, 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz, also died at the scene.
The attack has sent shockwaves through Manchester’s Jewish community, with hundreds gathering for a vigil on Friday evening. The event turned tense when Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was heckled by mourners accusing the government of “empty words.”
Past failings under scrutiny
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of Greater Manchester Police, which has faced repeated criticism over its handling of major incidents, including the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
While the force insists officers acted “swiftly and courageously” to prevent further bloodshed, questions are mounting over command decisions and fire discipline.
For now, the community is left grieving and a city once again forced to reckon with the consequences of violence, fear, and tragic error.
