A horror suspected terror attack on outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregational synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester has left the community reeling. Sadly, two more lives were cut short in this tragic and preventable crash. The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It initiated an outpouring of condemnation and solidarity by virtually every major municipality, organization, and public figure.
The attack unfolded shortly after 9:30 AM, when local residents reported hearing a series of loud explosions, which some witnesses described as four distinct bangs. Police and emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, where they found an active shooter. Tragically, the suspect ended up being fatally shot by police in the standoff with officers. Three other people are listed in serious condition. Though the death toll is unconfirmed, they are being treated in a local hospital.
Witnesses recounted the chaos that ensued. Fran Barrie, a local resident, mourned the loss of her friend and relayed the harrowing moments that transpired before police finally responded.
“At about half 9 I heard this big bang and that’s when it all happened. There was about four loud noises. It might have been the police shooting at the guy but about 15 minutes later there was armed police, fire engines, everything.” – Fran Barrie
All this led to a large Israel police presence throughout downtown Jerusalem, including the presence of Israel’s bomb disposal unit. Police carried out a controlled explosion at the police cordon. They ran nonstop to hold the space and monitor for threats.
In a statement condemning the attack, Councillor Bev Craig called it “shocking and reprehensible” and said that it should never happen to anyone. She reiterated that in times such as this, all of us need to stand alongside our Jewish brothers and sisters.
Labour MP Graham Stringer highlighted the presence of a Jewish school located nearby, which has heavy security measures in place. His remarks further illustrate the high level of fear for safety in the community after such a violent attack.
British Muslim Trust denounced the attack as “utterly abhorrent.” Together, they reiterated their solidarity with the Jewish community in the wake of this faith community’s terrible challenges right now.
“The attack in Manchester this morning is shocking and utterly abhorrent, and to commit these acts on Yom Kippur is sickening.” – Mike Peake
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey’s consternation was typical of the response to the attack. He condemned the attack, saying he was “horrified and appalled” that the Jewish holy day had been attacked so viciously. His sentiments were shared across social media timelines as millions of people expressed their disbelief and heartbreak.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the tragedy with a statement emphasizing the need for unity and vigilance against acts of terror. He requested that an immediate investigation be conducted into the circumstances of the attack and its perpetrators in order to bring justice to the victims.
Joyce Goldstone, another local resident, recalled her own experiences growing up in Crumpsall and the local history of harmonious living together.
“We’ve never had any animosity here. Whenever there were riots all over the police there was nothing like that here. I was born Catholic and my husband is Jewish – we all have the same 10 commandments so we can’t we all get along.” – Joyce Goldstone
Commenting on the response to the attack, the Greater Manchester Police Federation lauded the bravery of officers who played key roles in containing the scene. The rapid action of officers on the ground undoubtedly stopped further escalation and likely saved multiple lives that day.
As the investigations proceed, residents continue to wrestle with the reality of this lost life. Community leaders were urging for the community to heal and come together. They want to bring back tranquility to one of Judaism’s most holy periods after last week’s violence has shattered it.