Authorities release full statements after two killed in Manchester synagogue attack

Manchester authorities have released statements after two people were killed and three others were seriously injured in an attack at a synagogue.

Officers were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road at 9.31am by a member of the public who said he had observed a car being driven towards members of the public and that a man had been stabbed.

The attacker was stopped from entering the synagogue by security staff and worshippers, however three people are said to be “seriously injured” as a result of the attack.

The suspect has since been shot dead by armed police. Bomb disposal units were also present at the scene and the attack has been declared as a terrorist incident.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the “horrific” attack on the synagogue. Speaking from Copenhagen, the PM said he was “appalled”.

Confirming that extra police presence would be seen around synagogues across the country, he said: “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.

“We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe.”

King Charles III also said in a statement that he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear about the attack, “especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services,” the statement added.

via SWNS

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester Police has said the suspect was shot within minutes of the first call to emergency services.

He said: “Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers within seven minutes of the original call.”

The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) delivered a statement earlier today on the incident. A spokesperson said: “The High Representative strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, United Kingdom. The abhorrent attack was perpetrated during Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar.

“He stresses that houses of worship are sacred places where worshippers find solace and peace, not terror and fear.

“As the UN Focal Point to monitor antisemitism and enhance a system-wide response, the High Representative reiterated his determination to continue to stand-up and speak out against all acts of antisemitism.

“The High Representative conveys his deep condolences and sympathies to the victims and their families and wishes a swift recovery to those injured. He further expresses his solidarity with the Jewish community in Manchester and beyond.”

via SWNS

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said on X: “We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe. We stand with GM’s Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them.”

The leader of the Church of England, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, said he was praying that “all may live alongside each other in harmony and respect”.

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Dr David Walker, echoed similar sentiments in his statement. He explained he feared an increase in divisive rhetoric recently in the UK and elsewhere in the world which should not be allowed “to get ahead of our humanity”.

via SWNS

Alex Hearn, co-director of Labour Against Antisemitism, told BBC News: “Many Jews understood it was never ‘if’ an attack like this was going to happen, it was ‘when’, because attacks against Jews have spiralled out of control and some mass attacks have already been foiled by the security services.”

via SWNS

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “horrified and appalled”, adding his “thoughts are with the victims”.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said “so many of us are feeling the horrific scenes today that all come at a time of rising antisemitism”, having himself “grew up and attended a synagogue in north Manchester”.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “horrified” and thinking of the Jewish community “who will be suffering at this time”.

Featured image via SWNS