Heaton Park Synagogue Incident: One Victim Appears to Have Been Fired Upon by Police
During a tragic turn of events, one of the victims lost during the Heaton Park synagogue assault appears to have been shot dead by armed police officers.
Police Announcement Confirms Firearm Injury
The senior officer of Greater Manchester Police stated that a forensic expert has initially concluded the man died of a gunshot wound.
“Overnight, we have taken advice from the Home Office pathologist ahead of detailed autopsies scheduled for later today. The expert has advised that he has provisionally determined a victim would appear to have suffered a wound matching a gunshot injury.”
Suspect Details
The suspect, Jihad al-Shamie, did not have a gun, and all discharged rounds were by authorized firearms personnel on site.
Authorities think the deceased was part of the group positioned at the entrance seeking to prevent the attacker from entering the building.
Consequences of Police Action
“It follows therefore pending additional analysis, this injury 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 during the synagogue incident located in Manchester on Thursday were identified as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, 66 years old.
These individuals lost their lives when a vehicle was employed to ram into the property of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, then stabbed worshippers in a six-minute rampage that ended only when armed officers shot at him twice, ending his life at the door of the temple.
Additional Injuries
Three more people were seriously injured in the violent act on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Watson said, “We have also been advised that another injured person currently receiving treatment sustained a firearm injury, which is fortunately non-fatal. Officials think both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
Community Support
“We extend our condolences remain with all of the families, and broader public, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond. Trained personnel are providing support and care for everyone involved, including the courageous emergency teams.”
Suspect Background
Police named the perpetrator as Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian origin.
Local law enforcement said that three other people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – had been arrested “on suspicion of involvement in planning of terrorist activities”.
More details to follow ...
