On the morning of October 2, 2025, the serenity of Yom Kippur at Manchester's Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue was shattered by a violent attack that has left the Jewish community and the wider public grappling with shock, grief, and difficult questions about safety and policing. In the days since, the story has unfolded in ways that few could have predicted, revealing both moments of heroism and tragic misfortune.
According to PA Media and BBC News, the attack began as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar—a time of reflection and atonement. The synagogue, located in Crumpsall, Manchester, became the target of Jihad Al-Shamie, who drove his car at congregants outside the synagogue, then attacked others with a knife. He attempted to force his way into the building while wearing what appeared to be a suicide belt, later confirmed to be a fake.
In the chaos that ensued, members of the congregation—including Yoni Finlay—rushed to barricade the doors, trying desperately to keep the attacker out. In this frantic struggle, Finlay was shot, believed to have been hit by a police bullet as armed officers responded to the unfolding emergency. He underwent seven hours of surgery and, as of October 15, has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home. His ex-wife, Naomi Finlay, told BBC News, “He’s in pain, obviously, but I think for him and anyone who’s been injured or involved in any of that terrible day, I think it’s the emotional toll which is going to take a lot longer to recover from.”
The attack left two men dead: Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. According to both BBC News and PA Media, Daulby is believed to have been inadvertently shot dead by armed police who were racing to stop Al-Shamie. This tragic twist has added further complexity to an already harrowing event, raising questions about the split-second decisions made by police in life-or-death situations.
Greater Manchester Police released a statement confirming Finlay’s discharge from hospital, noting, “The man who was injured with a gunshot wound has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.” The force also reported that two other men remain hospitalized in stable condition: a security guard who was injured when Al-Shamie rammed his car into him outside the synagogue, and a volunteer who was stabbed during the attack.
As the dust settles, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a standard investigation into the incident, focusing on the actions of the armed officers who responded. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed the matter publicly, emphasizing the gravity of the threat faced by police at the scene. “Police acted in a situation where they believed a terrorist was likely to detonate an explosive device,” she stated. “There is no ambiguity around who is responsible for the deaths and injuries that took place on that day.”
The IOPC’s investigation is treating the officers as witnesses, a routine procedure in cases where police firearms are discharged and fatalities occur. The inquiry is expected to scrutinize every aspect of the police response, from the initial assessment of the threat to the moments in which shots were fired. While the process is standard, it is also fraught with tension, as the community seeks both accountability and reassurance in the wake of tragedy.
The attack has resonated far beyond the immediate circle of victims and their families. For the Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK, the events of October 2 have reopened longstanding concerns about security at places of worship and the persistent threat of antisemitic violence. The fact that the attack occurred on Yom Kippur, a day when synagogues are typically full and security is often heightened, has only intensified these anxieties. Community members, some of whom gathered outside Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in the days following the attack, have spoken of a renewed sense of vulnerability—but also of resilience and solidarity.
In the broader public discourse, the incident has sparked debate over the use of lethal force by police and the dangers inherent in responding to suspected terror attacks. The tragic death of Adrian Daulby, apparently at the hands of those sworn to protect, has been met with both sympathy for the impossible choices faced by officers and calls for rigorous scrutiny of police tactics. Home Secretary Mahmood’s remarks sought to clarify the context: “There is no ambiguity around who is responsible for the deaths and injuries that took place on that day.” Her statement reflects a determination to focus responsibility on the attacker, while acknowledging the complexity of the police response.
For Yoni Finlay, the ordeal is far from over. Although he has left the hospital, the road to recovery—both physical and emotional—is expected to be long. As Naomi Finlay observed, the psychological scars may linger long after the physical wounds have healed. The same can be said for the entire community, which must now reckon with the trauma of violence in a place of peace and prayer.
The attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue is the latest in a series of incidents that have forced religious communities and law enforcement agencies alike to confront the realities of modern security threats. It also underscores the importance of preparedness, communication, and clear protocols when responding to rapidly evolving situations. The actions of congregants who barricaded doors, the quick response of police, and the ongoing investigation by the IOPC all form part of a complex tapestry of courage, tragedy, and accountability.
As the investigation continues, many are left searching for answers. How can places of worship be better protected without sacrificing their openness? What lessons can be learned from the events of October 2 to prevent future tragedies? And how can communities heal when faith and safety are so brutally tested?
For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, honoring the memory of those lost, and ensuring that justice is served. The city of Manchester, and indeed the nation, watches closely as the story unfolds—hoping that out of sorrow, a renewed commitment to safety, understanding, and community will emerge.
