Eyewitness Describes Time That 'Evil Attacker' Struck Manchester Synagogue
A person assisting in barricading a synagogue in the Manchester area has recounted how a deadly assault unfolded, causing the deaths of two Jewish individuals.
Early Thursday, Alan Levy was present in the local synagogue when the assailant rammed a car into and assaulted members coming together for a observance to commemorate the holy day.
Mr Levy stated that the 'evil' individual tried to break down the doors of the building, and he recalled securing the structure with fellow worshippers.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66 died in the violence on that day, while three others were injured while helping to safeguard others.
Survivor Account of the Incident
Mr Levy, who acts as a Chair of the Trustees at the house of worship, explained reinforcing the entrances and noted that the assailant used knives and outdoor items to attempt entry.
"I saw a terrifying individual shoulder charge the main doors, trying to bash them down with a knife in his hand," he explained to interviewers.
The single phrase I heard from him was 'this is what you're going to get for killing our children'.
Just those words I heard him say. We remained inside the building and we were declaring 'we are not letting this man in'.
"He was a deranged, evil monster."
Memorial Service Conducted for Victim
The comments coincided with many individuals attended the memorial for Mr Cravitz.
Close kin, attendees from the synagogue group as well as a religious leader, and participants of the wider Jewish community came together in a nearby location to show support.
Attendees crowded the gravesite, with a number gathering outdoors the ceremony space in the downpour, listening to the proceedings over speakers.
In a message issued on the following day, the victim's loved ones expressed that he would "do anything to help anyone".
Police Inquiry and Arrests
Local authorities reported that one victim was likely hit by police gunfire as they engaged the assailant soon after the alarm was raised.
The victim, who was hailed by his relatives as a "courageous person", was participating in a ceremony at the house of worship when the incident occurred.
He had been a cherished sibling, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a valued relative," his relatives added.
Relatives are shocked by the unexpected loss of such a lovely down to earth man.
His last actions demonstrated great bravery and he will always be honored for his brave deed."
Several arrests have been made in regarding the attack, and authorities indicated that four people were under arrest on the weekend.
The detained were apprehended for terrorism-related activities.
The suspects are a pair of males, aged 30 and 32 and both arrested in Prestwich; a female in her 60s detained locally; and a 46-year-old woman apprehended elsewhere.
Other suspects were freed with no further proceedings, officials reported on the following day.
