A horrific incident unfolded outside a synagogue in Manchester, northwestern England, on Thursday, leaving four people injured. Authorities confirmed that the suspect, who allegedly carried out a vehicle ramming and stabbing, was shot by police. The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, adding a profound layer of tragedy to the event.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his deep shock, stating he was “appalled” by the assault. He emphasized that the timing of the attack on Yom Kippur made it “all the more horrific,” highlighting the sacred nature of the day for the Jewish community.
Police reports indicate that the assailant was prevented from gaining entry to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. The condition of both the suspect and the injured victims remains unconfirmed.
Dramatic witness footage, shared on social media, captured armed police officers confronting the suspected attacker outside the synagogue. The footage showed officers with rifles aimed at the individual on the ground, while a seriously injured victim lay nearby. An officer was heard warning people near the synagogue gates to retreat, shouting, “He has a bomb, go away.” Shortly after, the suspect reportedly attempted to rise, prompting officers to fire at least one shot, causing the individual to fall back to the ground.
The incident’s occurrence on Yom Kippur, a day when large numbers of Jewish worshippers traditionally gather in synagogues, amplifies the community’s distress.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham addressed the profound impact on the city’s Jewish community, acknowledging the fear such news would undoubtedly bring. He commended the police for their exceptionally swift response, noting that the suspect was reportedly shot within seven minutes of the initial call.
Mr. Burnham also highlighted the “rising incidents of antisemitism” that the Jewish community has faced recently, contributing to a “higher state of anxiety” in current times.
According to a statement from Greater Manchester Police, emergency services were alerted at 9:31 a.m. by a member of the public who witnessed a car being driven towards people and a man being stabbed. Armed police rapidly arrived at the scene, and the suspect was shot at 9:38 a.m.
The four injured members of the public sustained wounds from both the vehicle and the stabbing. The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that it had declared a major incident and deployed teams to the site.
An image from the scene depicts emergency personnel and vehicles outside the synagogue, underscoring the severity of the incident. Below is a map detailing the location of the Manchester synagogue where the stabbing occurred.