Greater Manchester Synagogue Assault Fatalities Named
Two victims fatally injured in an assault on a synagogue in Manchester have been revealed by police as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.
Three more people remain in hospital with severe trauma after Jihad Al-Shamie rammed a car into people before using a bladed weapon on the morning of the incident.
The attack, which authorities have declared was a terror-related event, came on Judaism's holiest day, the holiest day in the Jewish faith.
The assailant, who was killed by police at the location, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who was not previously known to counter terrorism police, per security officials.
Community Response
"Our hearts are broken," the UK's Chief Rabbi declared.
During a conversation on a major broadcast, he said: "Yesterday's events was an awful blow to us, something which we had apprehensions regarding might happen because of the build up."
The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for the entire nation," he added.
Official Reaction
"Our obligation is to make sure our Jewish community, our residents can live their lives with protection and peace of mind," a senior government official declared.
"We cannot allow the Jewish community in our country to believe they must live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot conduct their affairs and follow their beliefs and go to their communal institutions in freedom," she stated.
The assailant was not identified to counter-terrorism police, she told media outlets, and it was "too early" to say if there was a terrorist cell behind the attack.
Ongoing Probe
The law enforcement inquiry was "moving forward quickly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at synagogues across the UK.
"Funding is available for protective measures," the representative stated, adding: "We must evaluate what more we can do to address rising antisemitism."
Greater Manchester police said they were assisting the relatives of the two men killed.
"Sincere condolences are with those affected by this tragedy at this profoundly challenging moment," the lead investigator expressed.
He indicated that specialized support personnel were in touch with relatives and would continue to support them through the coronial process.
"Whilst there are processes which need compliance, we promise to be considerate of religious traditions and concerns and to ensuring that these men and their families' preferences are respected," he added, stating that the both victims were from Crumpsall.
Autopsies are scheduled on Friday, per official sources.