By Charlotte Webster-
The horrifying incident unfolded on Thursday at the Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall, when attacker Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, used a car to strike people before attempting to enter the place of worship with a knife. Mr. Cravitz courageously worked to prevent the attacker from gaining access to the building.
His family released a moving statement, explaining that Melvin was a devoted husband who would do anything to help anyone. They highlighted that he was an incredibly “kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people.” Friends and neighbours affectionately remembered him as a “gentle giant” with a good sense of humour.
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Melvin Cravitz. Pic: GMP
In addition, a neighbour mentioned that Mr. Cravitz would always check up on his community members, demonstrating his profound local connection.
Mr. Adrian Daulby’s family praised his final act of profound courage, calling him a true “hero” and a “lovely down-to-earth man.” He was holding the doors closed alongside others to protect those inside the synagogue when police opened fire on the attacker.
Adrian Daulby. Pic: Family handout
The Chief Constable of GMP, Sir Stephen Watson, acknowledged that Mr. Daulby’s fatal injury appeared to be “a tragic and unforeseen consequence” of the necessary action taken by officers to stop the vicious assault. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will independently investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Daulby’s death.
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The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was fatally shot by armed officers who arrived promptly on the scene. Details have since emerged that Al-Shamie was on police bail for an alleged rape at the time of the atrocity.
The three new suspects, arrested on Friday, include a man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s, all held on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. This brings the total number of people arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation to six, which initially included two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s.
Counter-terrorism police are leading this complex inquiry to understand the full motivation behind the Manchester synagogue attack victims‘ deaths and the attack itself.
Increased police patrols are in place around synagogues and Jewish community venues nationwide.
Religious and political leaders have universally condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating that the country must stand in support and solidarity with the Jewish community.
Sadly, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced heckling and boos from some in the crowd at a vigil held near the scene on Friday.
Many people across Manchester and the wider UK mourn the loss of the two Manchester synagogue attack victims and pray for the three people who remain in the hospital with serious injuries.
The Community Security Trust (CST) confirmed one of the injured victims was a member of their personnel, reinforcing the danger faced by security staff protecting the community. The entire Manchester community expresses solidarity against the divisive terror attack.
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