Greater Manchester Jewish House of Worship Attack Fatalities Revealed
Two men fatally injured in an assault on a religious center in Manchester have been revealed by authorities as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.
Three additional individuals continue receiving medical care with severe trauma after the assailant rammed a car into people before attacking with a knife on Thursday.
The attack, which police have said was a terror-related event, occurred on Judaism's holiest day, the holiest day in the Jewish tradition.
The assailant, who was fatally shot at the site, was a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent who was not previously identified to counter-terrorism authorities, according to government sources.
Official Statements
"Right now our hearts are shattered," the nation's top rabbinical authority stated.
During a conversation on a major broadcast, he remarked: "The tragic incident was an awful blow to us, something which actually we were fearing might happen because of the build up."
The attack was not only "an extremely difficult period" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for the entire nation," he added.
Official Reaction
"Our responsibility is to guarantee our Jewish citizens, our residents can go about their lives with security and assurance," a cabinet minister stated.
"We cannot allow Jewish citizens in our country to believe they must live a limited religious practice, that they cannot conduct their affairs and observe their religion and visit their worship places in liberty," she added.
The attacker was not recognized to security services, she informed news organizations, and it was "premature" to say if there was a terrorist cell behind the attack.
Investigation Update
The law enforcement inquiry was "progressing rapidly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at religious institutions across the UK.
"Funding is available for protective measures," the representative stated, adding: "It will be necessary to examine what additional measures we can implement to address increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."
Greater Manchester police confirmed they were assisting the relatives of the two victims.
"Our heartfelt condolences are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this incredibly difficult period," a senior police officer expressed.
He indicated that trained family liaison officers were in touch with relatives and would maintain assistance through the official inquiries.
"Although procedures exist which need compliance, we commit to being mindful of community customs and needs and to making certain that the deceased and their loved ones' wishes are respected," he continued, noting that the both victims were from the Manchester community.
Medical examinations are being conducted on Friday, as confirmed by official sources.