Adrian Daulby was confirmed Friday as the man accidentally shot and killed by police while barricading the synagogue door during the Yom Kippur terror attack in Manchester, as his family and law enforcement praised his heroism.
Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were named as the two killed in a terror attack at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.
The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by police at the scene. Shamie had worn a vest holding an apparent explosive device, but it was not functional, police said.
“Adrian was one of the brave worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of the incident and prevented the attacker from gaining access to the premises,” Greater Manchester Police say in a statement.
“It is currently believed that Adrian’s injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by our officers to bring a vicious attack to an end,” the police force said.
Earlier Friday, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said that one of the two victims of the terror attack was apparently accidentally shot by police responding to the incident. He did not name Daulby.
Jihad al-Shamie, who carried out a deadly terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, UK, on Yom Kippur, October 2, 2025. (Image circulated on social media)
Daulby’s family said in a statement that he “was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others.”
“He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin. The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man.
“His final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act,” the family says.
Members of the Jewish community comfort each other near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, in Crumpsall, Manchester, England, October 2, 2025. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
“The only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorized Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community,” said Watson.
“It follows therefore, that 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,” he said.
One of the three seriously wounded in the attack also suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, Watson said.
“It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshipers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog has said it is investigating “a fatal police shooting” to establish what had happened.
Agencies contributed to this report.
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