Manchester: Manchester was shaken on Thursday morning as a violent attack unfolded outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, northern England, leaving two people dead and four others seriously injured. The assault, occurring on Yom Kippur the holiest day in the Jewish calendar has been officially classified as a “terrorist incident” by British authorities.
According to police, the suspected assailant, identified as 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent Jihad Al-Shamie, first drove a vehicle into a crowd gathered outside the synagogue before exiting and stabbing individuals with a knife. Officers believed he was wearing an explosive device, prompting an urgent armed response. Within seven minutes of the initial emergency call, firearms officers shot the suspect, preventing further loss of life. Confirmation of his death took time due to safety concerns surrounding the apparent explosive vest.
Counter-Terrorism Policing head Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor expressed deep concern over the incident. “Those who have been killed and injured are at the forefront of our minds, as are their families, friends and all of those who love them,” he said. He described the attack as devastating, particularly as it targeted the Jewish community during their most sacred religious observance. Two arrests have been made in connection with the incident, alongside the three individuals two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s detained on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson commended the bravery of synagogue security and members of the public who helped prevent the attacker from entering the building. Witnesses recounted seeing a car crash into the synagogue gates, followed by the suspect stabbing anyone nearby. Social media footage showed armed police warning bystanders of a potential bomb before opening fire on the attacker.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the “vile” attack, emphasizing that the assailant targeted Jews solely because of their faith. He pledged enhanced security measures and reassured the Jewish community of Britain’s commitment to compassion, decency, and safety. King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales also expressed shock and grief, offering support and prayers to the victims and first responders.
Authorities activated PLATO, the national protocol for marauding terrorist incidents, and the North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident, prioritizing rapid medical response to the injured. Worshippers held inside the synagogue were evacuated safely once the area was secured. Rabbi Jonathan Romain described the attack as “every Rabbi’s or Jewish person’s worst nightmare,” highlighting the profound sense of fear caused by targeting a congregation during a sacred gathering.
This attack adds to growing concerns about rising antisemitism in the UK. The Community Security Trust reported more than 1,500 antisemitic incidents in the first half of 2025 alone, citing tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Authorities have intensified security at synagogues and Jewish community centers nationwide in response to the threat.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham acknowledged the particular significance of the timing of the attack, noting the large gatherings on Yom Kippur. As investigations continue, police are seeking further evidence and urging the public to share photos and videos of the incident directly with authorities rather than posting on social media.
Manchester, still haunted by the 2017 Ariana Grande concert bombing, faces once again the challenge of confronting extremism. Yet city officials, law enforcement, and community leaders have vowed resilience, standing united to protect citizens and uphold the safety of religious communities.