In a tragic development, a victims lost during the Manchester synagogue assault appears to have been shot dead by law enforcement personnel.
Official Statement Confirms Gunshot Wound
The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police announced that the Home Office pathologist has provisionally determined the victim succumbed to a bullet injury.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist before detailed autopsies set to occur this afternoon. The Home Office pathologist has advised that preliminary findings show a victim likely sustained a injury consistent with a gunshot injury.”
Attacker Information
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a gun, and all discharged rounds were by authorized firearms personnel on site.
Authorities think the victim was among those behind the synagogue door trying to stop the assailant from gaining entry.
Outcome of Intervention
“It follows therefore that subject to further forensic examination, the wound was unfortunately incurred as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by our personnel to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
Victims Identified
Both individuals killed in the attack at Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester earlier this week had been named as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.
These individuals lost their lives when a car was used to crash through the property of the local Jewish place of worship, then stabbed worshippers in a brief violent spree that concluded after police with firearms fired upon him, ending his life near the synagogue entrance.
Further Harm
Three more people were seriously injured in the violent act on Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish year.
The chief constable added, “We have also been advised that one of the three victims now hospitalized sustained a firearm injury, which is mercifully not life threatening. It is believed the two individuals were close together at the entrance, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from getting inside.”
Ongoing Assistance
“We extend our condolences remain with the affected relatives, and broader public, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond. Trained personnel are offering aid and assistance for everyone involved, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Attacker Profile
Police named the attacker as Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Greater Manchester police reported that three additional individuals – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – had been detained “for alleged commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist activities”.
More details to follow ...
