Similar to the horrific incident at Grand Blanc church in Michigan on Sunday (28/9) was the incident at the synagogue in Heaton Park, Crumpsall, Manchester. In this case too, the perpetrator crashed his car into the synagogue and immediately began shooting in its courtyard. According to current information, three people are dead, including the attacker. Video published on social media shows him standing holding the machine gun with which he allegedly shot inside the synagogue. Indeed, witness testimony states that “he moved from victim to victim in a ‘robotic’ manner, as if he had a job to do, targeting anyone wearing a kippah (type of clothing worn by Jews)”.
Read: Four dead and eight injured in armed attack on Mormon church in Michigan
Although police shot the perpetrator and reportedly killed him, the case was highly complex. The synagogue attack occurred during Yom Kippur, which Jews solemnly observe during the first two days of October. This Day of Atonement turned into a day of massacre for the synagogue, while during the tense hours police observed that the perpetrator was wearing a belt, which was estimated to contain explosives that the attacker could activate at any moment.
Crumpsall massacre: terrorist attack
Manchester police issued a statement after the synagogue massacre, stating that two people were dead, plus the perpetrator. Additionally, they emphasized that “a large number of people who were praying in the synagogue at the time of the incident were kept inside, while the immediate area was secured, but has since been evacuated”.
Police classified the attack as terrorist, as they “declared PLATO” – the common national code for Police and Emergency Services when responding to “aggressive terrorist attack”.
Immediate return for Starmer
The informal European leaders’ summit in Copenhagen ended for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Manchester attack forced him to return quickly. He posted on social media stating he was “shocked” and added: “The fact that this happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, makes it even more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and I thank the emergency services and all first responders”.
Thriller from the morning
The first call to police was made at 9:30, so deployment to Heaton Park was immediate. A witness reported that a car hit people, while seeing someone being stabbed. Despite the shootings, four were injured by the vehicle and knife, with First Aid services providing medical care.
This is the view looking up Middleton Road where the cordon is at the junction with Brooklands Road, where a small crowd has gathered including local residents and the media @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/xbvSEtoPDN
— Greta Simpson (@gretamsimpson) October 2, 2025
Then, police opened fire and one person was hit. This was certainly the attack perpetrator. Additionally, eyewitnesses testified that a security guard was attacked with a knife.
“The safety of Jewish communities must be guaranteed”
The Israeli Embassy in the United Kingdom also issued a statement about the incident. It stated that it is communicating with both Manchester’s Jewish community and British authorities to monitor developments and ensure necessary support is provided.
Additionally, it emphasized: “The fact that such an act of violence is committed on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of worship, is abhorrent and deeply concerning. The safety 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”.
