The incident took place at the Crumpsall Synagogue in Manchester, the U.K.’s third largest city. Following the attack, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer cut short his trip to the European Council summit in Copenhagen and returned to London to chair an emergency Cabinet session, known as a “Cobra meeting.”
Lawrence Taylor, head of the UK police counterterrorism unit, confirmed that the incident, which took place at the Crumpsall Synagogue in Manchester, has been classified as a terrorist attack.
Starmer ordered police to tighten security measures around synagogues across the country. In a post on X, he expressed sorrow over the attack, noting that it came on what he called the holiest day for Jews. He extended condolences to the affected families and praised the swift response of security forces.
Local sources said security personnel sealed off all roads leading to the synagogue. A bomb disposal unit was also deployed to the site shortly after the attack.
Authorities said the attacker first drove a vehicle into a crowd before stabbing several people outside the synagogue, leaving at least four injured. Police claimed the assailant was unable to enter the synagogue itself.
The attacker, who did not carry a firearm, was shot and killed by police officers. Questions have been raised over why the individual was fatally shot rather than being subdued.
British police have not yet released further details regarding the attacker’s identity or possible motives.
U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described herself as “shaken” by the incident, saying it occurred on what she called the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced heightened security measures in the capital following the attack.
Mojtaba Darabi - Mojtaba Darabi
