The family of Adrian Daulby have paid tribute to him saying he was a “hero” who died during “the act of courage to save others” after he was shot by police as they tried to apprehend the attacker during yesterday’s Manchester synagogue terror attack.
The 53-year-old was one of two victims killed in the attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
In an emotional tribute released today, the family said: “Adrian was one of the brave worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of incident and prevented the attacker from gaining access to the premises.
“The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man.”
The family asked for privacy while they grieve for their loss.
Tragic Circumstances of Death
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Friday that one of the two victims killed in Thursday’s attack suffered injuries “consistent with a gunshot injury” that may have been sustained “as a tragic and unforeseen consequence” of police action to stop the attacker.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the suspect, Jihad Al-Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and that “the only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.”
Watson added: “Subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”
Heroic Actions
Adrian Daulby was among the worshippers who courageously blocked the terrorist from entering the synagogue, where hundreds were gathered for Yom Kippur services. Their brave actions are credited with preventing what could have been a far greater tragedy.
Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading the service, described how “half an hour into the prayers, I heard an almighty bang from outside, shouting. Someone was trying to get in with a knife.”
He recalled that when Al-Shamie tried to force his way into the building, “there was a large number of us trying to hold him off,” with the attacker “shouting threats” as congregants blocked him “literally with their bodies.”
The Other Victim
The second victim was named as Melvin Cravitz, 66, also from Crumpsall and a member of the Jewish community. A neighbour described Cravitz as “a lovely, lovely bloke” and “one of my best friends.”
Both victims’ families are being supported by specialist liaison officers, with Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes saying: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.”
The Attack
The terrorist attack occurred on Thursday morning when Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, drove a car into worshippers outside the synagogue before attempting to enter the building with a knife. He was shot dead by armed police at the scene.
Three other people remain in hospital with serious injuries – one was stabbed, another was struck by the car, and a third suffered a gunshot wound believed to have been sustained during the police intervention.
Investigation Continues
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism in connection with the attack – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would “redouble our efforts” to tackle antisemitism following the attack, promising increased police presence at synagogues and other Jewish community facilities.
Chief Constable Watson paid tribute to the “brave first responders” and the worshippers who prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
The attack has sent shockwaves through Britain’s Jewish community, with Rabbi Jonathan Romain calling it “every rabbi’s or every Jewish person’s worst nightmare,” noting it occurred on Judaism’s most sacred day when synagogues are at their fullest.
Adrian Daulby’s sacrifice in protecting his fellow worshippers will be remembered as an act of extraordinary courage in the face of terror.
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