In a shocking and tragic turn of events, the city of Manchester, UK, was rocked on the morning of October 2, 2025, by a violent attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall neighborhood. The assault, which occurred as Jewish worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur—the holiest day in the Jewish calendar—left at least two people dead and three others seriously injured, according to Greater Manchester Police and multiple news outlets, including ABC News and Al Jazeera.
The incident unfolded just after 9:30 a.m. local time, when a member of the public reported seeing a car ram into a crowd outside the synagogue, followed by a stabbing. Police responded within minutes, and at 9:38 a.m., firearms officers shot a man believed to be the attacker. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, though confirmation of his death was initially delayed due to the presence of suspicious items on his person, requiring the intervention of a bomb disposal unit. Specialist resources were used to gain entry to the suspect’s vehicle, creating a loud noise that momentarily alarmed residents, but authorities were quick to assure the public there was no ongoing risk.
According to police statements cited by BBC News and Manchester Evening News, the attacker never gained entry to the synagogue itself. The violence, which resulted in injuries from both the vehicle and the stabbing, was declared a major incident and designated as ‘PLATO’—the code used by UK emergency services for a marauding terrorist attack. Specialist counterterrorism officers were immediately deployed to the scene, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The timing of the attack—on Yom Kippur, a day marked by solemnity, fasting, and reflection—deepened the community’s sense of shock and grief. Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust (CST), a group that monitors antisemitism in the UK, drew a parallel to Christmas Day for Christians, describing Yom Kippur as “the holiest day of the Jewish year.” For many, the attack felt like a direct assault on their faith and way of life.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was attending a summit in Copenhagen at the time, immediately cut his trip short to return to the UK. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Starmer expressed his horror: “I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. 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.”
Starmer announced that additional police would be deployed to synagogues across the country, a decision echoed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who assured the public that the Metropolitan Police were “stepping up patrols in Jewish communities and synagogues across London.” Khan, speaking to reporters, emphasized the importance of allowing people to worship without fear: “People should be allowed to go about and practice their faith knowing they're going to be safe. Unfortunately, too many Jewish Londoners, Jewish people across the country, Jewish people across the globe, don't feel that way. And that's heartbreaking.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla also issued a rare joint statement, saying they were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
The Israeli Embassy in London condemned the attack as “abhorrent and deeply distressing,” adding, “That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
Solidarity also came from the Muslim Council of Britain, which unequivocally condemned the violence and highlighted the distressing timing. “The timing of the attack on Yom Kippur made it all the more distressing,” the Council stated, reflecting a broader sentiment across faith communities that violence targeting places of worship is unacceptable, regardless of the perpetrator or the victims.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, was quick to reassure the public after the suspect was shot. Speaking to BBC Radio, he said, “A degree of reassurance can be given that it’s not a developing, an ongoing incident.” In a written statement, Burnham called the assault “a vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day,” pledging that authorities would “do everything within our power to keep people safe.”
Emergency services responded swiftly, with paramedics arriving by 9:41 a.m. to tend to the wounded. The local ambulance service declared a major incident and dispatched significant resources. A large number of worshippers who were inside the synagogue at the time were kept there until police declared the area safe, while the surrounding neighborhood was cordoned off by dozens of police vehicles, fire engines, and ambulances. A police helicopter hovered overhead as officers in black combat fatigues secured the scene.
Greater Manchester Police later clarified that the loud noise heard at the scene resulted from specialists gaining entry to the suspect’s vehicle as a precaution. They advised the public to avoid the area while investigations continued, but stressed that there was no ongoing threat. “There is no risk to the public and ongoing activity in relation to this major incident can be expected as we continue our enquiries,” police said in a statement.
The attack has reignited concerns about the safety of Jewish communities in the UK, especially in the wake of rising global tensions and previous incidents targeting places of worship. Community leaders and government officials alike have called for vigilance, unity, and support for the victims and their families. The swift and coordinated response by police and emergency services has been widely praised, though the sense of loss and vulnerability remains palpable.
As Manchester begins to recover from this horrific event, the city’s resolve to stand with its Jewish community is clear. The tragedy on Yom Kippur stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by faith communities in an uncertain world—but also of the solidarity and resilience that can arise in the face of hatred.
