UK Announces Manchester Synagogue Attack Inquiry

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced on October 12, 2026 a public inquiry into the deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, in the October 2, 2025 attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur. Cravitz died from stab wounds by Jihad Al-Shamie; Daulby was fatally struck by police gunfire while barricading the doors. Al-Shamie, 35, a Syrian-born UK citizen, crashed through the gates in a knife attack and was shot dead by police. Three others were seriously injured and later released. Reports said Al-Shamie declared support for Islamic State. Mahmood told the Commons the inquiry, requested by Chief Coroner Judge Alexia Durran, will allow all evidence including sensitive national security material to be heard. Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester Police apologized after a review found the force seized Al-Shamie's devices at February and September 2025 arrests but had not examined data evidencing an extremist mindset before the attack, when he was on bail. Watson called it a missed opportunity and said he was deeply sorry. Mohammad Bashir, 31, was sentenced to life in July for a separate plot with Al-Shamie on the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham. the inquiry will examine the full circumstances.