British authorities are treating a violent assault outside a synagogue in Manchester as a terrorist act after two worshippers were killed and several others seriously injured Thursday morning. The attack unfolded during Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, prompting an emergency government response and increased national security measures.
What Happened
The violence occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in the Crumpsall district of north Manchester. According to police, the suspect drove a vehicle into a group of worshippers near the entrance of the synagogue before exiting and carrying out a stabbing attack.
Armed officers arrived on scene within minutes and confronted the attacker. Authorities confirmed the suspect was fatally shot at 9:38 a.m., ending the assault.
Initial reports suggested the assailant may have been wearing an explosive vest, but specialists later determined it was not a viable device.
Victims and Casualties
Two men were pronounced dead at the scene. Several other individuals suffered injuries — at least three remain hospitalized, some in critical condition, according to officials. The victims had gathered for Yom Kippur morning prayers, which were immediately suspended across other synagogues in the area following the incident.
Suspect and Arrests
Police identified the attacker as Jihad al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin. He reportedly had lived in the UK since childhood and became a naturalized citizen in 2006.
In connection with the attack, authorities also arrested two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses. All three were taken into custody during raids in Greater Manchester hours after the attack.
Officials stated that investigators are examining the suspect’s digital footprint and communications, focusing on potential ideological motives and support networks.
National and International Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as a “targeted attack on British Jews” and convened an emergency COBRA security meeting. He pledged increased protection for Jewish communities across the UK and stated that the country “will not tolerate antisemitic violence in any form.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also issued statements vowing increased police presence at synagogues and Jewish schools nationwide.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed condolences in an official message, calling the attack “deeply disturbing,” particularly given the sacred nature of the day it occurred.
The Israeli government condemned the violence, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeling the attack “barbaric” and calling for a stronger global response to antisemitic threats.
Context and Ongoing Investigation
The attack has raised immediate concerns about the safety of religious communities in the UK, particularly as tensions in the Middle East continue to influence political and social discourse across Europe.
Security services conducted controlled explosions later in the day to secure the suspect’s vehicle. Authorities confirmed that the attacker had not acted in coordination with any known terror group, but investigations are ongoing.
Law enforcement is urging witnesses and those with video footage to come forward. No further suspects are currently being sought, but police say the situation remains dynamic.
