A sacred day of worship turned into a scene of terror and tragedy when a Yom Kippur service at a Manchester synagogue was targeted in a deadly assault that ended with a victim fatally shot by police.

Two people were killed and four were injured during the Oct. 2 terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, including one man accidentally shot by police attempting to stop the perpetrator, as the Daily Mail reports.

At approximately 9:31 a.m. on Thursday, Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British national of Syrian origin, launched an attack on worshippers near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Arriving in a black Kia, he drove into pedestrians before exiting the car and stabbing multiple people outside the synagogue, as families marked the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur.

Al-Shamie attempted to barge into the synagogue where dozens were praying. Inside, worshippers and security officials moved swiftly to lock the doors. Among those taking action were Rabbi Daniel Walker and Michael Goldstone, a security volunteer and the father-in-law of Conservative politician Grant Shapps. Their quick response likely prevented further devastation.

Police arrived within seven minutes of the first emergency call. Armed officers quickly approached the scene, reportedly misled by the suspect’s appearance -- Al-Shamie wore what was thought to be an explosive device, later identified as a non-functional suicide belt. Believing the threat was imminent, officers fired two shots and killed him on the scene.

Police gunfire hits worshippers

During the high-risk confrontation, two worshippers were inadvertently hit by police gunfire. Adrian Daulby, 53, was fatally wounded, while Yoni Finlay sustained serious injuries and later underwent surgery. Neither was armed, and police later confirmed the attacker did not possess a firearm. A second fatality, Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed during the attack, but his cause of death awaits official confirmation.

Rabbi Walker, who helped administer aid to the wounded after the attack, confirmed that Daulby was the individual accidentally shot by officers. “The loss we feel is beyond words,” he told the press. He described Daulby and Cravitz as beloved members, revered for their courage and compassion.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester Police acknowledged the accidental shooting as a consequence of forced urgency. “The injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers,” he said. The department has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

Pain, shock stir community, nation

Tributes to the victims poured in from across the U.K.. Community members left flowers and handwritten messages outside the synagogue, one reading, "Terrorism will not prevail.” The tragedy also drew national attention, prompting a visit from Prime Minister Keir Starmer the following day. He met with police and synagogue leaders, vowing to enhance support for Jewish communities nationwide.

“This was a dreadful attack,” Starmer remarked. “Attacking Jews because they are Jews.” He praised the emergency services for their fast response and affirmed his commitment to confronting antisemitism head-on.

Cravitz, who lost his life during the attack, was a close friend of Rabbi Walker and widely seen as a father figure in his family. Daulby, who lived alone and was battling cancer, was equally cherished. Known for his love of nature, he operated a YouTube channel dedicated to wildlife, even filming neighborhood chickens for fun.

Attacker said to have acted alone

The attacker, described by witnesses as displaying "robotic" behavior and “targeting those in Jewish garments,” was not known to British authorities or on any counter-terrorism watch list. Police have confirmed Al-Shamie had not been referred to the national Prevent anti-radicalization program.

His family, who currently reside in Prestwich and other parts of the U.K., issued a statement strongly condemning the attack, calling their relative’s actions “heinous and shocking.” They expressed deep sorrow and emphasized they had no prior knowledge of what he intended.

Three individuals -- two men and a woman -- were arrested on suspicion of planning related terrorist activities. The investigation remains ongoing, and details surrounding their potential roles have yet to be released publicly.

Lessons to learn

Despite the best efforts from the synagogue’s members and local responders, this attack underscores the vulnerability present even in sacred spaces. While crime is never the victim's fault, there are critical takeaways:

1. Preparedness saves lives: Immediate action by Rabbi Walker and others to secure the synagogue doors likely stopped further bloodshed. Communities should consider periodic emergency response drills and clear action plans during large public gatherings.

2. Misidentification can have tragic consequences: Even highly trained police can make split-second errors in chaotic situations. Transparency in post-incident assessments is vital to public trust and officer training improvements.

3. Community unity matters in the aftermath: As collective mourning continues, messages of hope and support can play a crucial role in healing. Society must come together to reject hate and uplift those affected by violence.

Why this story matters

This terrorist attack was more than a horrifying event—it was an assault on religious freedom, community safety, and societal harmony.

It calls attention to the growing threat of antisemitism and the life-or-death pressure on frontline responders. Manchester’s heartbreak reminds us all: vigilance must be matched with humanity and precision.