A devastating attack at a synagogue in Manchester has claimed the lives of two people and left three others hurt. Police have identified the man responsible as Jihad Al-Shami, a 35-year-old British national of Syrian descent. The incident, which authorities are treating as a terrorist act, unfolded during Yom Kippur, a very important day in the Jewish calendar.
Mr. Al-Shami reportedly drove a car into people outside the synagogue. He then got out and used a knife to attack others in the area. Police arrived on the scene in under ten minutes. They quickly shot and killed the attacker. Officials confirmed that the two people who died were Jewish worshippers attending the ceremony.
Three other people suffered injuries. One person was stabbed, another was hit by the car, and a third was hurt as police worked to control the situation. Investigators later found that Mr. Al-Shami was wearing what looked like an explosive vest. It turned out to be a fake device.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated firmly that this event is a terrorist attack. They have since arrested three more suspects. These include two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. They face charges related to planning or supporting terrorism.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke out against the attack. He called it an act of hate directed at Jewish people. Sir Keir ordered more police protection for synagogues across the country. He promised the Jewish community that the government would do everything possible to keep them safe.
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who is the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, said the attack shows a bigger problem. He noted that anti-Jewish hatred is still happening. This hate appears on streets, in universities, and on social media.
Leaders from other cities also reacted strongly. London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced increased patrols around synagogues in London. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called the attack horrific and clearly antisemitic. He added that the Manchester community would not stand for such terrorism.
Officials shared some details about the attacker, Mr. Al-Shami. He was born in Syria and moved to the UK when he was young. He became a British citizen in 2006 as a minor. Authorities stated they had no records of him ever being part of counter-terrorism programs.
During the attack, Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading the service, acted fast. He closed the synagogue doors and moved everyone inside to safety. Security staff and police worked quickly. Their actions stopped the attacker from getting inside the synagogue. This likely prevented an even greater tragedy.
Source: BBC