LONDON, Oct 3: Two people were killed and four others left seriously injured when a man attacked worshippers during Yom Kippur prayers at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester. The attacker, identified as 35-year-old British citizen Jihad Al-Shamie, was shot dead by police after trying to enter the synagogue with a knife and what appeared to be an explosive device that was later confirmed as non-viable, according to the BBC.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the synagogue’s rabbi and security guards, calling them “heroes” for preventing the attacker from entering the packed building. He said their actions, combined with the fast response of emergency services, prevented an even larger tragedy, the BBC reported.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed that security staff and worshippers shut the attacker out, buying police enough time to secure the premises. He explained that many people were inside the synagogue at the time but all were kept safe until officers confirmed it was secure, the BBC stated.
19-year-old kills 1, wounds rabbi and 2 others at synagogue
Witnesses described how the rabbi calmly directed the congregation to safety as panic began. Rob Kanter, one of those inside, said worshippers stayed calm and even used humour to cope as they were evacuated to a nearby centre under police supervision, the BBC mentioned.
Police declared a major incident at 09:37 BST after reports that a car had been driven at crowds and a security guard stabbed. Al-Shamie crashed into the synagogue gates before launching his attack and was shot dead within seven minutes of the first call to authorities. Witnesses said officers gave several warnings before firing when he ignored them, the BBC reported.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the assault as a “horrific antisemitic attack” and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. Neighbours said they saw the suspect stabbing people after getting out of his crashed car. Police later carried out a controlled explosion as specialists searched his vehicle, the BBC stated.
Police confirmed they were treating the case as a terrorist incident. As part of the investigation, three people were arrested: two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Al-Shamie, of Syrian descent, had arrived in the UK as a child and was granted citizenship in 2006, according to the BBC.
In his statement, Starmer said Jewish communities in Britain still need constant protection due to the threat of antisemitism. He warned that hatred against Jews is on the rise and pledged to strengthen security measures, including more visible policing. He expressed solidarity with British Jews, saying no one should live in fear for practicing their faith, the BBC reported.
