By Tony O’Reilly-
The attacker responsible for the tragic events at the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall died from multiple gunshot wounds, a preliminary inquest revealed in Manchester Coroner’s Court today.
Jihad al Shamie. Pic: Sky News
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Jihad al Shamie launched his deadly assault on 2 October, the solemn Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. He drove his car directly at worshippers, followed by violently attacking victims with a knife and attempting to storm the sacred building. Armed police swiftly shot al Shamie after he charged toward the officers in an aggressive manner, wielding a knife and carrying what they initially suspected was an explosive device.
The scene at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. Pic: PA
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Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes provided detailed testimony at the hearing, explaining the officers’ immediate reaction. He confirmed officers “discharged several rounds” at al Shamie during the intense confrontation. The attacker sustained multiple bullet wounds and immediately collapsed to the ground, ending the terrifying ordeal. Judge Alexia Durran, Chief Coroner of England and Wales, stated her provisional conclusion was that al Shamie’s cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. This information establishes the formal circumstances of the attacker’s demise during the rapid and violent culmination of the incident.
The Manchester Synagogue Attack Inquest established the identity of the attacker through rigorous forensic procedures. Al Shamie, a 36-year-old Syrian-born UK citizen, was identified using fingerprints and corroborating evidence gathered at the scene. Furthermore, investigators analyzed his abandoned car and mobile phone records to confirm his identity. Inquiries with his immediate family members following the attack also supported the identification. Members of al Shamie’s family attended the brief inquest hearing today, connecting to the proceedings via video link.
The court heard devastating evidence about the two worshippers who tragically lost their lives during the synagogue attack. Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, died protecting their community and fellow worshippers. The complexity of the tragedy became clear as the Manchester Synagogue Attack Inquest revealed the different ways the two men died. Father-of-three Mr. Cravitz tragically died from multiple knife wounds inflicted directly by al Shamie during the initial assault outside the building.
Adrian Daulby. Pic: Family handout // Melvin Cravitz. Pic: Greater Manchester Police
Significantly, the inquest also detailed the heroic sacrifice of Mr. Daulby. He was fatally injured by a single gunshot wound to the chest, fired by an armed police officer scrambled quickly to the scene. Witnesses described Mr. Daulby as a “quiet hero” who instantly leapt from his seat inside the synagogue when the attack began. He blocked the main doors to prevent al Shamie from gaining entry to the packed prayer hall, undoubtedly saving countless lives.
His selfless action proved critical. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a thorough investigation into the officer’s use of force. They concluded their review with a finding of no misconduct regarding the police response, confirming the officer acted in self-defence and to protect others during an active threat situation.
The harrowing nature of the attack on a sacred holy day resonated throughout the community. Al Shamie’s actions involved driving his vehicle into the crowd before switching to close-quarters combat with the knife. Crucially, the explosive device he carried was later identified as a sophisticated fake, confirming the attacker’s intent to instil maximum terror. The inquest proceedings into the deaths of Mr. Cravitz and Mr. Daulby were opened earlier this week.
Police investigators strongly urged members of the public with any information on the incident to come forward immediately. Detective Chief Inspector Gary Magnay emphasised the particular importance of any available footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash. This evidence could prove invaluable in understanding the circumstances leading to the attack and the final moments before the police intervention. The father of al Shamie called for unity among all communities immediately after the incident, a sentiment welcomed by leaders across the city. His plea for cohesion provided a stark contrast to his son’s devastating act of hatred.
The full Manchester Synagogue Attack Inquest hearings into the deaths of the two victims will reconvene next year. A pre-inquest review is scheduled for February. This subsequent review will establish the scope and timeline for the full inquest proceedings.
That full inquiry will likely examine all aspects of the events, including the police response, the actions of the victims, and the sequence of the violent encounter. The community continues to heal following this shocking breach of peace. The entire city remembers the tragic day.
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