A devastating incident occurred outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Thursday morning, coinciding with Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. Police confirmed that two individuals lost their lives in a vehicle ramming and stabbing attack, and several others sustained injuries, with three reported to be in serious condition.
Authorities stated that the attacker was shot and killed by officers at the scene. Due to “suspicious items on his person,” a bomb squad was called to ensure public safety.
The attack took place in an area of Manchester known for its significant Orthodox Jewish population. It has intensified existing anxieties within the Jewish community, already grappling with ongoing tensions related to the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue was filled with worshipers at the time. They were initially secured inside the building before being safely evacuated. Morning prayers had commenced just over half an hour before the first police report of the attack came in at 9:31 a.m.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his profound shock, stating he was “appalled” by the attack, emphasizing that its occurrence on Yom Kippur made it “all the more horrific.” Police clarified that the suspect did not manage to enter the synagogue, and they have yet to confirm if he was indeed carrying an explosive device.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised the swift police response, noting that the suspect was reportedly shot within seven minutes of the initial reports. Burnham also highlighted the recent rise in antisemitic incidents, which has contributed to a state of increased anxiety within the Jewish community.
Key details:
- Video Footage: Eyewitness video footage, verified by The New York Times, captured armed police officers confronting the suspected attacker outside the synagogue. An officer was heard warning bystanders to evacuate, shouting, “He has a bomb, go away.” The suspect appeared to attempt to rise before officers fired at least one shot, causing him to fall back to the ground.
- Security Measures: Security around Jewish institutions across Britain has been significantly increased. In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that the Metropolitan Police would enhance their visible presence in and around synagogues. The Community Security Trust, a British charity, advised Jewish institutions to keep doors closed and avoid congregating outside.
- Official Reactions: British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood conveyed her horror at the news, with her thoughts directed towards the victims and emergency services. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, condemned the act as “vile and disgusting.” King Charles III also expressed his deep sadness and shock, especially given the attack’s timing on such a significant day for the Jewish community.
- Prime Minister’s Response: Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short his visit to Copenhagen, where he was attending a conference of European leaders, to return to the UK and chair a COBRA meeting (Cabinet Office Briefing Room A), a government committee for national emergencies. He affirmed that additional police resources were being deployed to synagogues nationwide, pledging to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
- Manchester’s Jewish Community: Manchester is home to approximately 30,000 Jewish residents, making it the largest Jewish community in the UK outside of London. The Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation is located in Crumpsall, a northern suburb of Manchester.
The city has unfortunately experienced past acts of terrorism, including a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena in May 2017, which killed 22 people, and another stabbing attack in December 2018, which was also declared a terror incident.