Manchester Synagogue Attack: Police Admit Victim May Have Been Shot by Armed Officers

Manchester, UK – October 2025: The United Kingdom is reeling from the aftermath of the Manchester synagogue attack, where two worshippers tragically lost their lives on Yom Kippur. In a shocking update, UK police have acknowledged that one of the victims may have been mistakenly shot by armed officers during their rapid response to the incident.

A Tragic Attack on a Sacred Day

The attack unfolded at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, one of the city’s largest Jewish communities. Worshippers had gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, when chaos struck. According to reports, the suspect drove into worshippers before launching a stabbing attack. Armed officers arrived within minutes, fatally shooting the attacker. However, what initially appeared to be a swift and necessary UK police response has now become the subject of deep scrutiny.

Victims Identified

The victims have been named as Adrian Daulby (53) and Melvin Cravitz (66), both long-standing members of Manchester’s Jewish community. Initial reports suggested both men were killed by the attacker, but a Home Office pathologist’s findings revealed that one victim was likely struck by police gunfire. Another worshipper was also wounded by a gunshot but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that only officers discharged firearms at the scene, raising the possibility that they inadvertently shot one of the victims. In a statement, Assistant Commissioner David Kirby expressed “profound sorrow” and promised full transparency: Our officers acted in the belief they were confronting an immediate threat to life. Sadly, early findings suggest one of the victims may have been hit by police gunfire. We will cooperate fully with the Independent Office for Police Conduct to establish the facts.

Community Reactions and Widespread Shock

Leaders of the UK Jewish community expressed devastation at the news. The Board of Deputies of British Jews released a statement calling the revelation “an additional heartbreak in an already unbearable tragedy.” Rabbi Jonathan Freedman of the synagogue added: We mourn the loss of two cherished souls. The possibility that one was killed by those sworn to protect us deepens our grief, but we stand united in resilience.

Beyond the Jewish community, public officials and faith leaders condemned the attack and emphasized solidarity. Prime Ministerial aides confirmed that the government will review synagogue and mosque security nationwide.

UK Security Concerns and Armed Officers Under Scrutiny

This case has reignited debate over the use of armed officers in the UK. While their rapid deployment is credited with stopping further bloodshed, the accidental shooting raises urgent questions about training, judgment, and rules of engagement in high-stakes situations. Security experts note that religious sites in Britain have become increasingly vulnerable, with Jewish communities facing heightened threats amid global tensions.

Over recent years, the government has funded initiatives to improve UK security at synagogues and mosques, including CCTV upgrades, reinforced entry points, and police patrols. However, the tragedy in Manchester highlights the fine balance between protection and unintended harm.

What Comes Next

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a full inquiry into the incident. Detailed ballistics tests and forensic analyses are underway to confirm whether police bullets caused the fatal injury. Authorities have pledged transparency and promised to release findings to the public.

For the families of the victims, the investigation offers little comfort in the face of their loss. Yet for the UK at large, the case underscores the challenges of responding to violent threats in sensitive environments. The Manchester synagogue attack will likely reshape national discussions on community safety, armed response protocols, and how best to safeguard worshippers without exposing them to additional risks.

Conclusion

As Manchester mourns, the nation reflects on the fragility of security and trust. The revelation that victims may have been mistakenly shot by police transforms an already tragic event into a deeply sobering lesson for law enforcement and policymakers alike. The path forward will require not only answers but also a renewed commitment to protecting the UK’s diverse religious communities with vigilance, compassion, and care.