UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A suspected terrorist attacked a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, killing two and injuring three, before police shot the suspect dead.
Greater Manchester police said a suspected terrorist attack outside a synagogue left two dead and three seriously injured. The suspect was shot dead by officers.
Manchester Synagogue attack
On October 2, 2025, a violent attack occurred outside a synagogue in Manchester, UK, on the holy day of Yom Kippur.
The attack took place on the morning of Thursday outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. It occurred in the Crumpsall area of Manchester.
A suspect was shot by police after stabbing a man and driving a car at people outside a Manchester synagogue on the holiest day.
The police’s stance on the Manchester synagogue attack
Police confirmed they were alerted at 9:31 am to a car being driven at people and a stabbing outside a Manchester synagogue.
The statement stated,
“Firearms officers were deployed at 9.34 am as police continued to receive further reports from members of the public that a security guard had been attacked with a knife. GMP declared Plato and a major incident at 9.37 am.”
The Manchester police said,
“Shots were fired by Greater Manchester police firearms officers at 9.38 am. One man has been shot, believed to be the offender. Paramedics arrived at the scene at 9.41 and are tending to members of the public, currently four members of the public with injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds.”
The force stated,
“In response to today’s major incident in Crumpsall, a loud noise was heard at the scene as specialist resources gained entry to the suspect’s vehicle as a precaution.”
Authorities said the suspect’s body remains at the scene as investigations continue, adding,
“A third person, a man believed to be the offender, was shot by GMP firearms officers and is also believed to be deceased. It cannot currently be confirmed due to safety issues surround suspicious items on his person. The bomb disposal unit has been called and is now at the scene.”
They continued,
“Three other members of the public remain in a serious condition. A large number of people worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the incident were held inside while the immediate area was made safe but have since been evacuated.”
What witnesses saw during the Manchester Synagogue attack?
Social media clips showed police pointing guns at a man lying outside, while the public warned he may have been carrying an explosive device.
The scene was attended by multiple ambulances, fire engines, and police vehicles, while CST members managed the security cordon.
At the cordon, family members gathered while one woman said she was ‘sick’ with worry over her husband inside the synagogue.
The women stated,
“We’re just waiting for news. I’ve not even got dressed yet, I just ran out in my pyjamas.”
Her son said,
“We don’t know anything. There’s rumours of a car ramming, a stabbing and a gunshot. It’s terrifying. We’re distraught.”
A nearby resident, 57, said she had family and friends at the synagogue and rushed out upon hearing the police helicopter.
Olivia Gold said,
“I’m absolutely distraught. It’s Jewish new year as well and this is the holiest day in the calendar … It would’ve been very busy, mainly with the men doing the service. It’s a big shul [synagogue].”
Gareth, a delivery driver, told BBC Radio Manchester he witnessed a man attacking the synagogue window. He also saw someone bleeding on the floor, apparently unconscious and presumed dead.
Key details on the man linked to the Manchester attack
A man believed to be the suspect was seen near the scene with items around his waist. Police could not confirm his death due to suspicious items, prompting a bomb disposal unit to be called.
Verified images from outside the perimeter match the video showing a man apparently shot by police. Authorities continue to assess the situation while keeping the area secure.
Keir Starmer’s views on the Manchester synagogue attack
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer interrupted his Copenhagen visit to lead an urgent Cobra meeting, officials said.
While preparing to leave Denmark, he said he was “appalled” by the Crumpsall synagogue attack.
Mr Starmer stated,
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
The prime minister said,
“I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting. I’m already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.”
Mr Starmer added,
“I’ve spoken to Mark Gardner of the CST [Community Security Trust], and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester. I want to thank the emergency services for the speed of their response.”
What did Kemi Badenoch say about the Manchester synagogue attack?
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch posted on X,
“This was a vile and disgusting attack on a synagogue in Manchester. On Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – families gathered in prayer were targets for violence. My heart goes out to all those hurt and affected. I know many in our Jewish community will feel shaken. They deserve to know they are not alone.”
This was a vile and disgusting attack on a synagogue in Manchester. On Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish year – families gathered in prayer were targets for violence.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 2, 2025
My heart goes out to all those hurt and affected. I know many in our Jewish community will feel shaken.…
Ed Davey’s stance on the Manchester synagogue attack
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey said,
“Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.”
Nigel Farage’s views on the Manchester synagogue attack
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said,
“I am horrified by the attack at a synagogue in Manchester today, particularly on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected and the Jewish community who will be suffering at this time, and my thanks go to the emergency services.”
Andy Burnham’s stance on the Manchester synagogue attack
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC that the synagogue attack suspect is believed dead, though authorities have yet to confirm his death.
He added,
“A degree of reassurance can be given that it’s not a developing, an ongoing, incident. It would appear that it is contained, although, obviously, the scene is very much an active scene.”
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism. Observant Jews fast, pray, and seek forgiveness for past wrongs. It occurs in autumn, ten days after Rosh Hashanah.
The day marks the end of the High Holy Days. Communities gather in synagogues for reflection and communal prayers.