Deadly assault strikes Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day. Suspect rams car into worshippers, launches stabbing frenzy, dies in police shootout. Authorities name 35-year-old Jiad al-Shami as attacker, arrest three accomplices amid heightened UK-US alerts.
Manchester, England—Chaos erupted 9:31 a.m. Friday in city’s Orthodox Jewish enclave. Jiad al-Shami, 35, British citizen of Syrian heritage, plowed vehicle into crowd outside Broughton Park synagogue. He leaped out, knife slashing indiscriminately.
Two men perished; three others suffered grave wounds. Al-Shami attempted synagogue breach, repelled by alert guards plus quick-thinking congregants. Police neutralized threat within seven minutes, gunning down suspect after spotting suspicious vest—initially mistaken for explosive device.
Eyewitnesses recounted pandemonium. “Bang bang echoed, then helicopter whirred overhead. Sirens wailed nonstop,” one local said. Officers swarmed scene, pinning al-Shami to pavement before fatal shots rang out.
Greater Manchester Police classified incident as terrorism. “Immediate bravery from security staff, worshippers, plus rapid response halted worse carnage,” Chief Constable John Roberts declared. Investigators link attack to extremist motives, probing al-Shami’s background.
Raids yielded three arrests: two men, one woman, held on suspicion of aiding plot. Forensic teams scour vehicle, weapons; intelligence units trace networks.
Shock ripples through Britain’s Jewish population, already vigilant amid rising antisemitism. Synagogues nationwide bolster patrols; armed units deploy for Yom Kippur observances. “Everyone worries, fears grip tight. Yet faith endures—we refuse terror’s shadow,” Rabbi Miriam Cohen urged, voice trembling at vigil.
Across Atlantic, New York Police Department ramps protections. “Monitoring Manchester closely; extra officers guard borough synagogues,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced. Similar measures activate in Los Angeles, Chicago—federal alerts urge vigilance without panic.
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As probe intensifies, questions mount: Did al-Shami act alone? Accomplices’ roles? Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned violence, vowing justice. “Hate finds no foothold here,” he stated. Community leaders call unity, prayers for victims’ kin.
Investigation unfolds rapidly; updates expected soon.
