A tragic knife attack occurred at a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Thursday, during the Yom Kippur service. The assailant has been identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al-Shamie initiated the attack by driving his vehicle into a crowd before using a knife to assault an individual. He was shot dead by police at the scene. Authorities reported that he was wearing what appeared to be a suspicious package around his waist, which was later determined to be harmless.
In connection with the attack, police arrested three others: two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties. All are facing terrorism charges. The police are working to identify the victims and have confirmed that some individuals remain hospitalized due to injuries from the incident.
Witnesses have expressed shock, noting that people were targeted simply for being Jewish. Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is a significant day in the Jewish calendar focused on reflection and repentance.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community is reeling from this act of violence, and support is being offered to those affected.
