Manchester Synagogue Incident: One Victim Appears to Have Been Fired Upon by Police
During a devastating development, one of the victims killed at the Manchester synagogue assault appears to have been fatally wounded by armed police officers.
Police Announcement Reveals Firearm Injury
The senior officer from the local force stated that a forensic expert has provisionally determined the man died of a bullet injury.
“We sought guidance overnight from the Home Office pathologist ahead of detailed autopsies scheduled for this afternoon. The expert indicated that preliminary findings show a victim would appear to have suffered a wound matching a firearm wound.”
Suspect Details
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, was not carrying a firearm, and all discharged rounds were by authorized firearms personnel at the scene.
Authorities think the deceased was among those positioned at the entrance trying to stop the assailant from entering the building.
Outcome of Intervention
“It follows therefore pending additional analysis, the wound may sadly have been sustained as a unintended and heartbreaking result of the urgently required action taken by my officers to halt this brutal assault.”
Names Released
Both individuals killed in the attack during the synagogue incident in north Manchester on Thursday had been named as Adrian Daulby, aged 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old.
The men were killed when a car was used to ram into the grounds of the local Jewish place of worship, before the attacker targeted attendees in a brief violent spree that concluded after police with firearms fired upon him, ending his life near the synagogue entrance.
Further Harm
Three others sustained major injuries in the violent act on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “Medical professionals have informed us that one of the three victims now hospitalized has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life threatening. Officials think the two individuals were close together at the entrance, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected relatives, and the wider community, touched by these events across Greater Manchester and beyond. Specialist officers are offering aid and assistance for everyone involved, including our brave first responders.”
Attacker Profile
Authorities identified the perpetrator as the individual, 35, a UK national of Syrian descent.
Greater Manchester police reported that three other people – two male suspects and a woman in her 60s – had been arrested “for alleged involvement in planning of acts of terrorism”.
More details to follow ...
