A hero accidentally shot by police during the Manchester synagogue terror attack, trying to stop the killer from getting into the building, has been discharged from the hospital. Father-of-three Yoni Finlay, 39, was hit in the stomach by a police bullet at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall on October 2 and underwent seven hours of surgery.
Worshippers Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, died during the attack – with Mr Daulby also shot by police as he and Yoni and Rabbi Daniel Walker barricaded the synagogue doors from the inside. Armed police had been scrambled to the scene to stop Jihad Al-Shamie, who had driven his car at worshippers outside, attacked others with a knife and tried to storm the synagogue, wearing a fake suicide belt – after making a 999 call in which he pledged allegiance to Islamic State, or ISIS.
Afterwards, one of Yoni’s sons described his dad as a “hero” who “stopped loads of deaths from happening” as he bravely tried to stop Al-Shamie, 35, from entering.
A new statement from Greater Manchester Police said: “The man who was injured with a gunshot wound has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.”
The force said two other men injured in the attack, a security guard named only as ‘Bernard’ who was hurt when the attacker rammed his car outside the synagogue, and volunteer Andrew Franks, who was stabbed, remain in hospital in stable conditions.
Son Uriel Finlay, 15, told ITV the attack happened while he was still asleep in bed, but he knew his dad was inside the synagogue as he normally went earlier.
“I ran out of the house, I didn’t think about anything else, and it was complete chaos, there were loads of ambulances, armed police going inside the shul every five minutes,” he said. “When all the victims of the shul came out I realised my dad wasn’t there.
“I spoke to Rabbi Walker who told me he and my dad barricaded the doors with a couple of other people and, in the process of the armed police shooting the terrorist, one of the bullets hit my dad in the chest.
“He was shot accidentally by a bullet that went through the door. My dad is a complete hero, he saved so many lives, and I’ll never, ever forget that.”
While ex-wife Naomi Finlay said afterwards: “He’s in pain, obviously, but I think for him and anyone who’s been injured or involved in any of that terrible day, I think it’s the emotional toll which is going to take a lot longer to recover from.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is carrying out an investigation into the attack as standard procedure, and is treating the officers who responded as witnesses, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said.
She said that police acted in a situation where “they believed a terrorist was likely to detonate an explosive device”, adding: “There is no ambiguity around who is responsible for the deaths and injuries that took place on that day.”
The synagogue building remains closed as the congregation celebrates the festivals of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah at an alternative venue.
Counter-terror police believe that Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was a lone wolf attacker influenced by extremist Islamist ideology.
Police said the killer had been seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue shortly before launching the attack. He said this was not reported to police because the man walked away when challenged.
But around 15 minutes later, Al-Shamie returned to the scene in a black Kia and deliberately drove the car at innocent members of the public before colliding with a wall.
He then stepped out of the vehicle armed with a knife and resumed his attack. Al-Shamie had a second knife in his possession and was also wearing a hoax device on his person.
Last week the father of the Manchester synagogue terrorist bemoaned their “pain” – after his son’s rampage claimed the lives of two innocent victims.
Trauma surgeon father Faraj Al-Shamie posted on Facebook calling for unity in Manchester, but while also bemoaning his family’s pain.
The father’s post comes after it was revealed in 2023 he praised the Oct 7 Hamas terrorists as “Allah’s men on earth” after their slaughter of men, women and children in Israel – and a “miracle by all standards.”
But now he’s written: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has shown care and support to us during this difficult time.
“Your kindness, your words, and your presence have truly touched our hearts. You stood by us when it mattered most, and we will always be grateful.
“The recent tragic act of terror has brought deep pain — to our family and to the families of the victims. Our hearts and prayers are with them. No one should ever experience such suffering again.
“We must all stand together — united, vigilant, and compassionate — to prevent such acts and protect the peace of our communities.”
He added: “My sincere thanks also go to the Manchester Police, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure safety, justice, and peace for everyone.
“Manchester has always been — and remains — a shining example of unity and coexistence, where Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of all faiths live side by side in respect and harmony. Having lived here for years, I can say with pride that this city embodies the true spirit of multicultural peace and solidarity.
“Once again, thank you all for your strength, humanity, and support. May no family in the world ever endure the pain we have faced.”
