MANCHESTER, England — Britain’s counterterrorism authorities on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, declared a terrorist incident after a violent attack outside a synagogue in north Manchester left two people dead and three others seriously injured during Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar.
The assailant, identified as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot and killed by armed officers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Police said he had been wearing what appeared to be an explosive device, though specialists later confirmed it was not viable.
The assault began in the morning as congregants gathered to observe Yom Kippur.
Officials said Al-Shamie used both a blade and a vehicle during the rampage.
Two men were pronounced dead at the scene. Among the survivors, one is being treated for a stab wound, another for injuries sustained after being struck by a car, and a third later sought medical help after being hurt when police intervened to stop the attacker.
The incident, authorities said, was clearly targeted at Manchester’s Jewish community.
“An attack on our Jewish community, today, on Yom Kippur, is devastating,” said Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing.
“Communities across the U.K. who would normally be marking this holy day are now grieving, and worried about their safety.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that three suspects — a woman in her 60s and two men in their 30s — were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses including preparing and instigating acts of terror.
Searches were continuing at two addresses: White House Avenue in Crumpsall and Langley Crescent in Prestwich, both within Manchester’s northern suburbs.
Officials added that Al-Shamie had no previous referrals under the government’s Prevent program, which monitors individuals at risk of extremism.
Police patrols have been increased at synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers across the country.
Officers have been deployed in visible numbers to reassure residents and deter further attacks.
Britain’s Home Secretary is expected to make a statement to Parliament later this week, outlining security measures and the government’s response.
A statement from Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor on the declaration of a terrorist incident in Manchester. pic.twitter.com/ZiITWCBUU7
— Counter Terrorism Policing (@TerrorismPolice) October 2, 2025
Taylor urged the public to remain vigilant: “We need communities to stand together and to be our eyes and ears. Every piece of information, no matter how small, will be followed up.”
Local leaders described the incident as one of the darkest days in recent memory for Manchester’s Jewish community.
Formal identification of the two men killed has not yet been completed, but officials said support services have been provided to grieving families.
“This was not just an attack on individuals but on the freedom of a community to worship in peace,” said one community leader outside the synagogue.
“We are heartbroken, but we will not be intimidated.”
