Manchester synagogue attack: What we know so far

Manchester synagogue attack kills two

A man drove a car into a group of people and stabbed them outside a synagogue in northwest England on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year.

Two people were killed and at least three others injured in Thursday’s attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Manchester. The assailant was shot dead by police, who described the incident as a terrorist attack.

Swift police response

Police were alerted to the synagogue in Crumpsall, a northern Manchester suburb, shortly after 9:30 a.m. by a member of the public and arrived within minutes. Officers praised the “quick response” of the witness, as well as the “bravery” of security personnel and those inside the synagogue for preventing the suspect from entering.

Victims

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the two deceased were Jewish and are being formally identified. Three people were hospitalised with serious injuries: one suffered a stab wound, another was struck by the vehicle, and a third received an injury while officers intervened. Details of a fourth injured person remain unclear.

The suspect

The attacker, believed to be 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent Jihad Al-Shamie, was killed by firearms officers seven minutes after police were called. An initial delay in confirming his death followed the discovery of “suspicious items on his person” resembling explosives; police later confirmed there was no bomb. Three additional arrests have been made: two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s, all suspected of terrorism.

Terrorist attack confirmation

Six hours after the incident, the Metropolitan Police in London confirmed it was being treated as a terrorist attack. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said increased patrols are being deployed at synagogues and Jewish sites “to provide reassurance to all those communities who have been affected by this incident.”

Motive unclear

Police continue to investigate the motive, noting the attack occurred on Yom Kippur, when synagogues are full.

Government response

Prime Minister Keir Starmer returned early from a European summit in Copenhagen to chair an emergency security meeting in London. He condemned the “vile individual” for attacking Jews “because they are Jews” and pledged to ensure the security of the Jewish population, “starting with a more visible police presence.”

Community reaction

The Jewish community expressed shock. The Israeli Embassy in London called the attack “abhorrent and deeply distressing.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolences to the families of the slain and prayers for the injured, stating: “Weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”

King's reaction

King Charles III and Queen Camilla said they were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.”

Rising antisemitism

Although the U.K. has traditionally been a safe environment for Jewish people, antisemitic incidents have surged following Hamas’ 7 October attack on Israel and Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza. The Community Security Trust reported more than 1,500 incidents in the first half of the year, the second-highest on record. Starmer said antisemitism is “a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.”

(With AP Input)