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Two victims of the Crumpsall synagogue attack were accidentally shot by police, according to GMP

The attacker's father now appears to have spoken out publicly too.

Danny Jones - 3rd October 2025

The latest update on the terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester is that one of the victims who tragically died was accidentally shot by police at the scene, while another is still receiving treatment in hospital, as per GMP.

With the suspect now having been named as Jihad Al-Shamie, who was also shot dead after driving towards and stabbing multiple individuals at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, it’s believed that one of the deceased men was unfortunately hit by gunfire during the incident.

Issuing a formal statement online, Greater Manchester Police informed the public that one of the two confirmed deaths, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, was struck by bullets as officers tried to prevent Al-Shamie from entering the building.

They are yet to identify which exact individuals were unfortunately caught in the crossfire and whether or not gunshot wounds have been cited as a cause of death in any instance.

#UPDATE | Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson has provided an update following yesterday’s tragic incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall. pic.twitter.com/VWTpOE4KG3
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 3, 2025

As you can see, Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson writes: “The Home Office Pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.”

“It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm, and the only shots fired were from GMP‘s Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.

“It follows, therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.

“We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital, has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life-threatening.

“It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”

Footage shared online of police apprehending Al-Shamie (a Syrian-born man granted British citizenship) also features audio of a bystander claiming he saw a bomb, with authorities later revealing that ‘suspicious items’ were found in the vicinity and a disposal unit being dispatched shortly after.

The two victims killed in Manchester tragedy at Crumpsall synagogue have now been named

Meanwhile, the other person who was hit by police gunfire is one of three who remain in a serious condition following the attack, though their identities have yet to be disclosed to the public.

Elsewhere, it appears as though the 35-year-old attacker’s father, Faraj Al-Shamie, has seemingly come out to comment on the incident.

A post on a Facebook page seemingly belonging to Faraj Al-Shamie reads: “The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

“The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

“We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

“We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth. May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”