To conduct a thorough investigation that includes the examination of sensitive information in a confidential setting, a public inquiry is necessary. Such an inquiry has the authority to hold certain sessions privately, excluding both the media and the general public.

This step was prompted by Judge Durran’s ruling following the pre-inquest hearing held on 4 September, where he called for the establishment of a public inquiry. During this hearing, government lawyers argued that releasing MI5-related material could pose a risk to national security.

In contrast, the legal representatives for the families of the two victims challenged the need for private hearings regarding the MI5 disclosures. They pointed out that officials had publicly declared that Al-Shamie was not on the radar of the security services, questioning why secrecy was necessary in this context.

Al-Shamie carried out his attack on 2 October of the previous year by driving into the synagogue’s perimeter gates and then assaulting worshippers with a knife while apparently wearing a fake suicide belt. The attack resulted in the deaths of two individuals: Cravitz, who died from multiple stab wounds, and Daulby, who was shot dead by armed officers who responded to the incident

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