Manchester synagogue attack: One of the dead may have been injured by police gunfire

 International Desk | PNN:

British police have said that one of the two people killed in last Thursday’s attack at a synagogue in Manchester may have been struck by police gunfire.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Steve Watson confirmed on Friday that while the attacker, 35-year-old Jihad al-Shami, was shot dead on the spot by police, one of the two victims also had gunshot wounds.

Watson said in a statement: “Therefore, this injury may be a tragic and unintended consequence of the urgent action my officers took to quickly end this horrific attack.”

On Judaism’s holiest day, Yom Kippur, Jihad al-Shami drove his car into pedestrians outside the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, before indiscriminately stabbing people. The attack killed 53-year-old Adrian Dolby and 66-year-old Melvin Kravitz, while three others were injured.

Police reported that Dolby and another civilian (who survived) were injured by police gunfire as they tried to prevent the attacker from entering the synagogue.

In a statement through Greater Manchester Police, Dolby’s family paid tribute to him as a “hero.” The family said he “tragically lost his life while performing an act of bravery to save others. He was a beloved brother, cherished uncle to four nieces and a nephew, and a much-loved cousin.”

“His final act was one of profound courage, and he will forever be remembered for this bravery,” the family added.

At a rain-soaked memorial service in Manchester for the victims, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was heckled by members of the crowd. Some accused the government of failing to take sufficient action to curb the rise of antisemitism in the country.

One man shouted: “My children’s school was closed today. You let this happen. You are all guilty. You allowed antisemitism to thrive on the streets of Manchester.”