At least two people were killed and multiple others seriously injured in a terror attack Thursday when a knife-wielding madman plowed a car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard outside a UK synagogue on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The assailant, who appeared to be wearing a bomb-loaded belt, was shot dead by cops as he tried to get inside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester as scores of people were worshipping inside, police said.
“Based on what we know, counterterrorism policing has declared this is a terrorist incident,” the UK’s head of counter-terrorism policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said in the wake of the attack.
Ambulance workers process the body of a man, believed to be behind a synagogue attack, at the scene in north Manchester on Thursday. REUTERS
The attack suspect was shot dead by police outside the synagogue in Manchester.
Members of the emergency services evacuate members of the community near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall. AFP via Getty Images
People outside a synagogue in Manchester react to the attack that left at least two people dead. REUTERSHere is the latest on the synagogue attack in Manchester, UK
- Maniac Manchester attacker kills 2, injures more at UK synagogue on Yom Kippur
- Shocking video shows cop frantically warn crowd Manchester attacker ‘has a bomb’ after deadly stabbing, car ramming
- Jihad Al-Shamie ID’d as the UK synagogue terrorist
- Police name 2 victims of Manchester synagogue attack on Yom Kippur
- Synagogue terrorist probed over threat to pol — as officials reveal why his name astonished them
The crazed killer’s identity was known, but had yet to be revealed “for safety reasons,” the top cop said, without elaborating.
At least two other people had been arrested in a sweep, he added.
The savage rampage unfolded just after 9:30 a.m. when witnesses reported seeing the car crash into members of the public outside the synagogue before a man was stabbed and left lying in a pool of blood.
The killer’s identity was known, but had yet to be revealed “for safety reasons,” Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said. REUTERS“The second he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone near him. He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue,” one eyewitness told the Sun.
“The guy had a knife, and he was just stabbing the window trying to get in,” another onlooker said.
Shocking video showed a cop frantically yelling at horrified onlookers to “go away” because the deranged suspect “has a bomb.”
Authorities later confirmed the feared explosives that were strapped to his belt were “not viable.”
The suspect was shot dead minutes later by cops before he could enter the synagogue, police said.
Two victims, who were both Jewish, were confirmed dead. Three others were in serious condition in the hospital following the attack.
A bomb disposal technician secures evidence at the scene. REUTERS
The Manchester attack suspect was shot dead by police on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the “vile” attack and warned “hatred is rising once again in Britain.”
“Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews and attacked Britain because of our values,” he said.
“While this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with,” he continued. “We must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.”
Police are at the site of a deadly stabbing outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur. REUTERSHe promised the Jewish community, too, that he would do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence.”
The incident unfolded as worshippers gathered at the synagogue for Yom Kippur — the day of atonement and most solemn day on the Jewish calendar.
An armed police officer at the scene of a deadly stabbing at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue. AP“We know today’s horrifying attack, on the Jewish community’s holiest day, will have caused significant shock and fear throughout all of our communities,” a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said.
“We are grateful to the member of the public whose quick response to what they witnessed allowed our swift action, and as a result the offender was prevented from entering the synagogue,” they continued.
“We remain in direct contact with all synagogues across Greater Manchester to provide reassurance and this will continue for as long as needed.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among those to condemn the “barbaric terror attack.”
Children are seen with emergency authorities after an attack outside a Manchester synagogue left at least two dead. William Lailey / SWNS“Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester,” he said in an X statement.
“Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded. As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”
The Israeli Embassy in the UK added that the timing of the attack was “abhorrent and deeply distressing.”
“We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response,” they said.
“The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
