Two killed, four injured during attack at Manchester Synagogue on Yom Kippur Jewish holiday

-FULL COVERAGE-

Terror Strikes Manchester Synagogue on Yom Kippur: Two Dead, Four Injured

On the morning of October 2, 2025, a devastating attack unfolded outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, coinciding with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, a man drove a vehicle into a crowd gathered near the synagogue and then began stabbing individuals indiscriminately. 

The swift and violent nature of the assault prompted Greater Manchester Police to declare a "major incident" and activate Operation Plato, the UK's protocol for responding to marauding terrorist attacks.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by armed police officers within minutes of the first emergency call. He was reportedly wearing a vest resembling an explosive device, which was later confirmed to be non-viable. 

A bomb disposal unit was dispatched to the scene to ensure public safety. In the aftermath, two people were confirmed dead, and four others were hospitalized with serious injuries caused by both the vehicle impact and stab wounds.

Tragically, it was later revealed that one of the deceased victims may have been accidentally shot by law enforcement during the chaos. The Greater Manchester Police acknowledged that the individual had a wound consistent with a gunshot injury, and the suspect was not found to be in possession of any firearms.

The attack sent shockwaves through the Jewish community and the broader public. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was attending a European summit in Copenhagen at the time, immediately returned to London to chair an emergency COBRA meeting. He condemned the incident as "vile" and pledged to combat rising antisemitism, announcing increased police presence at synagogues nationwide. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham reassured the public that the immediate threat had been neutralized, praising the rapid response of police and the bravery of synagogue security staff and congregants who prevented the attacker from entering the building.

Three additional individuals, a woman in her 60s and two men in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in connection with the incident. Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation, with Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor emphasizing that the timing of the attack on Yom Kippur made it especially devastating for the Jewish community.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror and confusion. One local resident recounted seeing the attacker crash his car into the synagogue gates before emerging and stabbing those nearby. Worshippers inside the synagogue quickly barricaded the doors, preventing further casualties. Emergency services, including paramedics and bomb disposal units, remained on site for hours, tending to victims and securing the area.

The incident has reignited concerns about antisemitic violence in the UK and the vulnerability of religious communities during sacred observances.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to formally identify the victims and provide support to their families and the wider community.

The attack stands as a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist violence and the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of hate.