Witness Describes Time That 'Deranged Individual' Assaulted Manchester Synagogue
A man involved in fortifying a house of prayer in the Manchester area has recounted how a tragic assault occurred, resulting in the deaths of two community members.
Early Thursday, Alan Levy was inside the Heaton Park synagogue when an attacker crashed into and attacked with a knife members gathering for a observance to commemorate Yom Kippur.
The witness explained that the 'monster' perpetrator attempted to break down the entrances of the synagogue, and he recalled securing the structure with fellow worshippers.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66 were killed in the violence on the morning, while three others were wounded while helping to safeguard worshippers.
Witness Account of the Attack
The individual, who is a key figure at the temple, recounted reinforcing the entrances and stated that the perpetrator wielded sharp objects and outdoor items to force his way inside.
"I saw a large, menacing figure ram the main doors, seeking to force them open with a knife in his hand," he explained to reporters.
"The only thing that could be discerned was him saying 'this is what you're going to get for killing our children'.
"That's the only thing he expressed. And we were behind the doors and we were saying 'we are not letting this man in'.
He appeared as an insane and malevolent attacker."
Funeral Observed for Victim
These remarks came as hundreds of people were present at the memorial for the deceased.
Family members, attendees from the synagogue group including the community rabbi, and participants of the wider Jewish community gathered in Pendlebury, Salford to honor the deceased.
Those present crowded the cemetery forecourt, with a number standing in the open the ceremony space in the downpour, following the ceremony and tribute over audio systems.
In a tribute released on the following day, the victim's loved ones stated that he was always willing to assist.
Authorities Inquiry and Apprehensions
Local authorities indicated that one victim may have been hit by law enforcement rounds as they engaged the assailant following the alarm was raised.
The victim, who was hailed by his loved ones as a "hero", was attending a service at the house of worship when the attack occurred.
"He was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his several nieces and a nephew and a dear extended family member," his relatives noted.
Relatives are devastated by the tragic, sudden death of a genuinely good person.
"His final act demonstrated great bravery and he will always be honored for his heroic act."
Several arrests were conducted in relation to the attack, and authorities stated that several individuals were under arrest on Sunday morning.
Each of them were detained for involvement in terrorist acts.
The individuals detained consist of several men, of specific ages and detained in the local area; a 61-year-old woman arrested in Prestwich; and a 46-year-old woman arrested in Farnworth.
Two additional individuals were let go with no additional charges, police stated on Saturday.