An armed police officer talks to a member of the local community outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester, England, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. / Credit: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
EWTN News, Oct 2, 2025 / 10:40 am (CNA).
Bishop John Arnold of Salford has condemned a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur, calling for solidarity and prayer with the Jewish community.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales released Arnold’s statement on Thursday following the morning assault at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, where a knife-wielding assailant reportedly struck worshippers gathered for prayer.
“The local Catholic community stand united in our prayers for the Jewish community following the tragic attack on a synagogue in Manchester,” Arnold declared Oct. 2. “We condemn such acts and pray for the injured, emergency responders, and all affected.”
The British prelate emphasized the need for interfaith unity against extremism, stating: “Let us work together in hope to strengthen our community solidarity. We must remain united in our common beliefs against those who sow hatred and division. We also pray for peace and tolerance around the U.K. and the world.”
According to BBC News, police officers reported being alerted at 9:31 a.m. local time to a car-ramming and stabbing outside the synagogue. Armed officers shot a man believed to be the suspect at 9:38 a.m.
Since the man was found with “suspicious items” strapped to his body, bomb disposal teams were called and later carried out a controlled explosion.
The suspect is presumed dead, though official confirmation remains pending. Three additional victims remain in serious condition.
The timing of the assault during Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar — has fueled fears of targeted religious violence.
A large congregation had gathered for morning prayers when the attack commenced.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer abbreviated his attendance at the Denmark summit to chair emergency meetings, announcing enhanced police protection for synagogues nationwide.
“We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe,” Starmer emphasized, calling the Yom Kippur timing particularly “horrific.”
King Charles III expressed being “deeply shocked and saddened” by the violence. The monarch commended emergency responders’ swift action.
The investigation continues with heavy police presence maintaining security around the synagogue.
