Manchester is a city acquainted with resilience, but the events that unfolded on Thursday, October 2, 2025, tested its spirit in ways few could have imagined. As the sun set on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, worshippers gathered at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, for solemn reflection. But what should have been a day of peace was shattered by a devastating terror attack that left two men dead, several others injured, and a community grappling with shock and grief.
The attack began suddenly and violently. According to BBC reports, Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old man on bail for an alleged rape and with a known criminal history, drove his car at worshippers outside the synagogue before launching a stabbing assault. Armed with a 7-inch knife and wearing what appeared to be a fake suicide belt, Al-Shamie attempted to force his way into the synagogue, where dozens of people had gathered for Yom Kippur prayers.
Inside, a group of congregants acted quickly to barricade the doors and protect their community. Among them was Adrian Daulby, 53, a man described by friends and family as quiet, kind, and deeply committed to his faith. Sir Grant Shapps, the former defence minister, told Sky News that his father-in-law, Michael Goldstone, was "part of the crew" holding the doors shut alongside Daulby. "They'd locked them, but this maniac was still trying to get in," Shapps recounted. "He had a 7-inch knife, he was stabbing it against the window, trying to break it."
Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was present during the attack, later paid tribute at Daulby’s funeral, describing how he witnessed Daulby leap from his seat at the back of the synagogue to reinforce the doors. "Adrian didn't run away from danger. Adrian ran to help. Adrian was righteous in his passing. Adrian was righteous in his life. He was a kind soul, a gentle soul," Walker said, as reported by BBC. "In that moment of need, that quiet man became a tremendously strong hero."
Tragically, Daulby was killed in the chaos—believed to have been inadvertently shot by armed police as they scrambled to stop Al-Shamie from entering the building. Melvin Cravitz, 66, was also killed in the attack. The loss of life was keenly felt throughout the community, with Daulby’s family describing his final act as one of profound courage: "His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act." One of Daulby’s nieces, speaking through tears at his funeral, said, "Adrian will be dearly missed. He never deserved what happened to him. He died a true hero. We just want you to know how loved you were."
The violence left three other men hospitalized with serious injuries, including a security guard who suffered car-impact injuries and a Community Security Trust worker who was stabbed. Al-Shamie himself was shot dead by police outside the synagogue. Greater Manchester Police, according to the BBC, detained six people in connection with the attack. As of October 4, four individuals remained in custody on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, while two others were released with no further action. Police stated that Al-Shamie was not previously known to counter-terrorism officers but was believed to have been "influenced by extreme Islamist ideology."
The attack sent shockwaves across the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement expressing his "heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and all who were injured in the scathing attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester." The nation paused in collective grief, with tributes pouring in for the victims and their families.
As Manchester mourned, its football clubs—Manchester United and Manchester City—stepped forward to honor those lost. According to the Manchester Evening News, both clubs arranged for their players to wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence before their Premier League fixtures over the weekend. Manchester United’s tribute took place before their match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 11, while Manchester City planned theirs ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Brentford. United’s under-18 and under-21 teams also donned black armbands in their games, reflecting the depth of feeling across the city’s sporting community.
Manchester City’s men’s first team, as well as the women’s side before their match against Arsenal, participated in moments of silence. "Everyone at Manchester City remains deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events that took place in our city earlier this week. As Manchester comes together in solidarity, we have worked alongside Manchester United to collectively pay our respects," a City spokesman said. "At our Women’s home match against Arsenal, as well as the Men’s away match vs Brentford, all our players will take part in a moment of silence before kick-off. Our players are also expected to wear black armbands as a sign of respect."
The tributes extended beyond Manchester. Brentford, City’s opponents on Sunday, had already planned a commemoration for their late head of academy goalkeeping, Christopher Ramsey, but agreed to change the planned minute’s applause to a minute’s silence in light of the gravity of Thursday’s attack. The Premier League and English Football League stated they would support any club wishing to pay tribute, though league-wide silences for non-football issues have become less common in recent years. This reflects a broader debate in English football about how and when to mark tragedies outside the sport, with some previous incidents sparking criticism over perceived inconsistencies.
The attack’s timing—on Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and reflection—deepened the sense of loss. Rabbi Walker, reflecting on the aftermath, said he visited the synagogue and found it "frozen in time," Daulby’s prayer book still open on the page he’d been reading when the attack began. The community’s pain was palpable, but so too was its determination to honor the memory of those lost. "The most important thing is that we live Adrian’s legacy," Walker urged. "He was saving the lives of his community. There is none holier, there is none greater, there is none higher. A great, great martyr. May his memory always be a blessing."
As Manchester gathers for football, prayer, and remembrance, the city’s response to tragedy stands as a testament to its unity and resolve. In the face of senseless violence, the quiet acts of heroism and the collective moments of silence offer a powerful reminder: even in the darkest moments, communities can come together, honor their heroes, and begin to heal.
