Fatal Attack at UK Synagogue During Yom Kippur Declared Terrorism: 2 Dead, 3 Critically Injured

A tragic incident in the UK has left two people dead and three critically injured after an attack near a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

The attack involved a vehicle being driven into pedestrians, followed by a stabbing rampage outside the synagogue. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the suspect was shot during the incident and is believed to have died at the scene.

Authorities deployed a bomb disposal unit to investigate whether the attacker possessed an explosive device. Police initially "declared Plato," the national code for responding to a "marauding terror attack," though this designation does not automatically classify the incident as terrorism.

Later developments saw British police officially declare the deadly attack as an act of terrorism.

King Charles III expressed being "deeply shocked and saddened" by the violent events, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced increased police presence at synagogues throughout the United Kingdom during the Yom Kippur observance.

The Prime Minister emphasized the particularly disturbing timing of the attack, stating on X platform: "The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific."

This attack brings back painful memories for Manchester, which experienced Britain's deadliest recent terrorist incident in 2017 when a suicide bomber killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert.